• Speed
• Benefits
• Atypical levels
• Boosting levels
• Disruption
• Summary

Gamma brain waves are rhythmic electric processes in nerve cells called neurons. Nerve activity in the brain allows for communication throughout the brain to carry out functions such as memory, emotion, movement, and perception.

The type of brain waves that diagnostic tests measure indicate the simultaneous action of nerve activity throughout the brain.

Researchers associate different types of brain waves with varying states of alertness and activity. Gamma brain waves are the fastest type of brain waves. They occur during periods of high cognitive (thinking) function and intense concentration.

Researchers believe there may be ways to boost gamma brain waves. Some very early research suggests this may have a role in mediating cognitive abilities.

How fast are gamma brain waves?

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A test called an electroencephalogram (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain. It uses a unit of measurement called hertz (Hz) to assign a frequency, or speed, of nerve activity that relates to different brain wave types.

The wave pattern frequency that the EEG creates has a designated brainwave pattern. A person’s level of alertness changes in response to the type or rhythm of their brain waves.

For example, a person’s brain waves may slow as they enter a relaxed state or the early phases of sleep. When someone takes deliberate action to adjust their level of awareness, such as wanting to concentrate, this can change their brain waves.

Brain waves also change according to a person’s level of alertness. For example, when someone is waking up, their brain waves naturally change to make them feel more alert.

Gamma brain waves are the fastest type of brain wave. They have a frequency of 30 to 90 HzTrusted Source but can measure higher than 100 HzTrusted Source.

An EEG can read gamma waves during intense concentration, alertness, and focus.

Other types of brain waves

Other types of waves, which vary in Hz, correspond to how alert and engaged a person is. These includeTrusted Source:

• Delta: These slow brain waves measure between 1 and 4 Hz and usually occur during deep, dreamless sleep. Excess delta waves correlate with a decreased ability to focus and may have links to learning disabilities.
• Theta: Theta brain waves occur at 4 to 8 Hz and are involved in sleep, deep relaxation, and meditative states. An increase in theta waves, as an EEG detects, may related to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as impulsivity and problems with organization.
• Alpha: These waves measure 8 to 12 Hz and are most active during calm, quiet states. Alpha waves may have associations with calmness, alertness, and coordination. Low levels may have links to social withdrawal and depression.
• Beta: These waves usually measure between 15 and 30 Hz. They occur when someone is alert and engaged and can help with decision making and problem-solving. Researchers associate consistent, excessive beta waves with difficulty relaxing and sleeping.

Benefits of gamma brain waves

Gamma waves occur when the brain actively engages in cognitive function and deep concentration. The waves indicate rapid and intense levels of information processing.

Researchers associate gamma brain waves with various improvements in cognitive performance, such as:

• focus and concentration
• memory
• perception
• learning ability
• speed and precision of information processing

What happens if someone has atypical levels of gamma brain waves?

A 2021 study examined the effects of gamma brain wave levels on sports performance during softball. The researchers associate high levels of gamma waves with reduced sports performance and attention ability.

The study authors associate high gamma waves with a lower response to motion, which may be due to an increase in anxiety or hesitation.

Researchers in a 2022 review also link gamma wave dysfunctions with the following health conditions and cognitive difficulties:

• schizophrenia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• anxiety
• learning difficulties
• memory problems
• social impairments
• hyperactivity
• involuntary movements

Can someone boost gamma brain waves?

Although more research is necessary, some studies suggest there may be ways to boost gamma wave activity. These may include:

• Meditation: A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests people who practiced daily meditation and breathing exercises had enhanced levels of gamma waves in a specific area of the brain.
• Sensory stimulation: Animal researchTrusted Source suggests that sensory stimulation, such as flickering lights or rhythmic sounds, may boost gamma brain waves when synchronized to 40 Hz.
• Eating nuts: A 2018 studyTrusted Source suggests that the antioxidant properties of certain nuts may help increase gamma wave production.
• Dark chocolate: A 2018 study of 10 vigorously active people suggests gamma waves may increase during and after eating 70% cacao dark chocolate. This may be due to the cacao’s flavanols, which may affect pathways responsible for learning and memory processing.

Despite the promising results of current studies, more evidence is necessary to support the above methods and understand the underlying mechanisms at play.

What factors disrupt gamma brain waves?

Various factors can hinder the production of gamma waves, which may affect connectivity between brain regions that the waves control.

Factors that may disrupt gamma brain waves includeTrusted Source:

• Metabolic imbalances: Metabolic imbalances can occur when someone has a disorder that affects their metabolism, such as diabetes and hemochromatosis.
• Brain inflammation: There are several potential causes of brain inflammation, including infection and immune system responses.
• Oxidative stress: Oxidative stress occurs when the body has high levels of free radicals. Free radicals are a natural waste product of metabolic processes, but high levels can lead to cell damage and other complications.
• Brain injuries: A 2020 article suggests that brain injuries could contribute to atypical gamma wave levels, which could affect cognitive function.
• Lack of sleep: A 2019 studyTrusted Source suggests that sleep deprivation may affect all types of brain waves, including gamma waves, which could lead to a decreased thinking ability.
• Certain medications: Some medications may decreaseTrusted Source gamma wave activity, such as the epilepsy drugs carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal).

Summary

Gamma brain waves are the fastest type of brain wave and occur during intense focus. They usually measure between 30 and 90 hertz. Researchers associate gamma waves with an enhanced ability to think.

Certain factors, such as lack of sleep and certain medications, may show on an EEG as disrupted gamma waves and may relate to changes in someone’s ability to think and react.

It may be possible to boost gamma brain wave levels through sensory stimulation, diet, and meditation. Still, more evidence is necessary to support these claims, and it is unclear whether boosting gamma waves would provide benefits on its own.