Riding the wave

Beware, I am starting this post off with a biology lesson. (gasp here with either joy or horror).

Each brain cell, known as a neuron, communicates with other brain cells with electrical transmissions. We can measure the frequencies of these transmissions via an electroencephalogram (EEG). The higher the frequencies, the more activity is occurring in the brain. In most fields, there are 4 types of brain waves

Beta waves (13-38 hz)- the dominant brain wave when we are focused, actively thinking, problem solving.

Alpha waves (8-13 hz) - the dominant brain wave when we are awake and relaxed. For example, when we are reading a book or watching TV

Theta waves- (4-7 hz) - dominant wave when we are drowsy, and the early stages of sleep.

Delta waves- (below 4 hz) - dominant wave during deep sleep.

In a previous post, I mentioned the dissociative state, which is associated with the driver's phenomenon of forgetting the last miles of highway. This is related to our brain's dominant frequency waves. The brain wave that is associated with zoning out on the freeway is the theta wave. Theta waves are also associated with daydreaming, which allows for a flow of ideas, while the task at hand is mentally disengaged. Even though this is a naturally occurring state of mind, behind the wheel, it is a dangerous state.

More on brain waves