Altered State of Consciousness - Typology

Typology

During an altered state of consciousness, brain waves occupy different categories of frequencies (i.e. Epsilon, Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma). These waves can be measured using an Electroencephalograph (EEG). Below is a list of wave types, along with their corresponding frequencies and states of consciousness:

• Epsilon: 0.00–0.05 Hz

Epsilon wave patterns have not been heavily studied; however, they may be connected to intense meditative states.

• Delta: 0.05–4 Hz

Delta brainwave patterns characterize slow wave sleep.

• Theta: 4–8 Hz Normal deep sleep state.

Theta waves are produced between dreams, and represent an "interlude" between dreams. The waves tend to last 15-30 minutes between REM states.

• Alpha: 8–12 Hz Typical dream state.

Alpha waves can be seen in persons watching movies or television narratives in which they are fully engrossed, mostly unaware of their surroundings.

• Beta: 12–30 Hz

Beta waves correspond to normal conscious brain activity, ranging from calm and relaxed consciousness, to fight-or-flight panic.

• Gamma: 30–100+ Hz

As the ability to measure brainwave frequency has significantly improved with advances in digital technology, it has become possible and practical to measure brainwave frequencies beyond 30 Hz. As more is learned about these brainwaves, a change in classifications may occur. The beta-wave level of consciousness seems to extend well beyond 30 Hz, but frequencies of 90 Hz or more (gamma waves), are shown to be associated with coordination of signals across longer distances within the brain, facilitating the completion of complex actions or associations which require the simultaneous use of multiple brain regions.