Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
6.2 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAIN FREQUENCY,
STRESS, AND ALERTNESS
The relationship between brain frequency and alertness can best
be described as an inverted U-shape. A moderate brain frequency of
25 generates an optimal level of alertness, vigilance. At the low end,
while in a comfort zone, one is not focused on anything in particular.
Everything seems to be equally relevant. At the high end, one is so
focused on particular cues that all the other stimuli are filtered out.
comfort
zone
high
stress
0
4
8
12
25
50
Brain frequency
0
4
8
12
25
50
Brain frequency
Stress has a different relationship with brain frequency. On the low
end of the brain frequency, while sleeping, there is no stress, and in
case we do experience stress, we don
'
t sleep. If this is the case, the
brain frequency gets no chance to drop below the 8 hertz, and we lie
awake in our bed. People who suffer from burnout usually have pro-
blems falling asleep. On the high end, the stress level increases rapidly.
If we experience a real threat or challenge, we suddenly can rely on a
