What Do We Know About The Mysterious Delta Waves?

Delta waves in the brain are mysterious and fascinating. They have been known to exist since the beginning of the 20th century, when Gray Walter discovered them. It is also known that they have a frequency that ranges from 0 to 4 Hz and that they are considered the slowest of all those produced by the brain. Likewise, they are associated with well-being and inner peace.

Beyond this, not much is known about delta waves. They arouse great curiosity, precisely because they are present in the states of maximum tranquility. However, why is unknown and very little is known about how they operate.

There are already several studies in the world that are oriented to unravel the mysteries of delta waves. The further you go, the more surprises appear and the more questions arise. We will see why below.

Delta waves of the brain

All the data known so far suggest that delta waves have little to do with consciousness. In other words, they are never present during conscious states, quite the opposite. In principle, they are present in the deepest states of sleep , that is, in the stages in which one does not actually dream.

Research has also established that delta waves in the brain are present in states of deep meditation. Through laboratory monitoring it is evidenced that states of deep relaxation allow these types of waves to emerge.

Likewise, and this is surprising, it could be established that the waves that predominate when the human being is in the womb are precisely the delta waves of the brain. This remains the case until the first year of life, although with increasing frequency. It is speculated that this would be a brain mechanism for the newborn to preserve its tranquility, despite the multitude of new stimuli to which it is exposed.

The effects of delta waves

So far it has been proven that, ultimately, delta waves are closely related to the deepest states of tranquility. However, this is not the only effect of those mysterious waves.

There is evidence that they also influence other processes, such as the following:

• They are responsible for a good rest. If when we sleep we do not reach the phase of deep sleep, that is, the production of delta waves of the brain, when we wake up we probably still feel fatigued.
• They help regulate basic body function. If there is a day when our brain does not produce delta waves, other functions, such as breathing and heartbeat, are altered to a greater or lesser extent.
• There are reasons to think that they also affect  intuitive processes. Apparently, the functioning of the unconscious is associated with the production of delta waves in the brain.
• They affect motivation and empathy. It has been suggested that when the brain produces delta waves frequently, people become more open and empathetic. Likewise, their motivation is higher.

Other discoveries

The American Headache Society has published several studies on delta waves. In some of them, reference is made to the fact that the brain’s production of delta waves is a factor that notably affects the presence or absence of migraines. Apparently, the more delta waves that are produced, the less likely you are to get migraines.

In the same way, a study by Wanee Rojviroj establishes a strong relationship between brain waves and stress states. In this it is concluded that delta waves are in themselves an “antistresser”. That is why it is conjectured that they may have to do with the production of serotonin and melatonin by the body. This, however, has not yet been verified.

The natural way to get our brain to produce delta waves comes in two ways. One of them is deep sleep. Hence, psychology insists so much on the importance of adequate sleep. The other way is meditation techniques. These are a real treat for the brain. If we favor them, we will gain much more than a healthy practice.