(I previously published this piece when I had fewer than 10 subscribers. I think it bears republishing, especially at this frenetic time of year where relaxation is hard to come by. When it all seems too much, pop in some earphones, and let your brain do its thing.)
Music is good for the soul.
But binaural beats are good for the brain.
Just Beat It
If you’ve never heard of binaural beats (pronounced bye-NORal), you’re not alone. I only learned of them in the last few years, but they’re gaining popularity and here’s why.
Your brain works in waves.
As you function throughout the day, your brain cycles through different states depending on your activity. The way your brainwaves look when you’re concentrating is different than when you’re sleeping. I find the whole thing fascinating. Just the fact that the Jell-o mold inside our skulls somehow processes information like a supercomputer is, to me, the 8th wonder of the world.
Extrapolation
Although you must “listen” to binaural beats using headphones, they aren’t sound waves. Instead, a binaural beat is created when two tones of different frequencies are played separately in each ear (hence the need for headphones).
The “beat” is your brain’s perception of a third tone which is actually the difference between the two tones. It’s an auditory phenomenon created by your brain. In other words, our brains are hearing the space between.
Unlike music, which taps into your auditory cortex and connects to our limbic system (and can thus trigger memory and emotions), binaural beats can actually sync our brainwaves to their frequency.
Gimme a Beat
There are several brain states and corresponding frequencies that can be used depending on the goal.
For improved sleep, a Delta binaural beat is best (1 to 4 Hz)
Looking to improve your meditation practice? Theta is for you (4 to 8 Hz)
Need to get into a creative state with focus? Go for Alpha (8 to 13 Hz)
When your mind is most busy and active, it’s in Beta (13 to 30 Hz)
If problem solving and concentration are what you need, Gamma (30+ Hz)
Historical Sync
Binaural beats have only been studied since the 1970s, but the process of syncing human brainwaves to beats goes way back.
Think tribal drums and chants.
That synchronization has a name: entrainment. Without expending the entirety of my tiny understanding of neurobiology, suffice it to say that when your brain interprets the same sort of sound over and over in succession, it starts to vibe with it. (Yes, very technical terminology here. Where’s my PhD?)
There have been loads of studies on the effectiveness of binaural beats for focus, creativity, relaxation and sleep, with somewhat different conclusions based on the details. Work the Google and read up on them when you have a day to get lost down the rabbit hole.
In the meantime, slap on some headphones, tap into Spotify and find a beat for your brain. If nothing else, it’ll help block out the chewing of your cubicle neighbor or the loud-talking of that lady on the train. It’s a perfect way to check out of the holidays for a handful of minutes and come back less ready to chuck a cheesecake at someone.
Had you heard of binaural beats before now?
What’s your favorite frequency and where do you find them? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. Personally, I like to use them for relaxation. They help block out all the songs that are usually on infinite repeat in my mind.
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My go-to at work is YouTube, but I also use the Calm app. They have multiple binaural playlists.
I trialed brain.fm and found it helpful, but there are plenty of similar tracks on YouTube I use to block the world out.
Science aside, it helps me to just not hear the world around me sometimes so anecdotally it works a treat!
Thanks Andrea for getting a bit sciency with the explanation.