These auditory cortices are located in the temporal lobes of the brain and is where sound is perceived (Yantis & Abrams, 2017). Sound wave frequencies are converted into nerve impulses that travel through the auditory nerve to the brain’s auditory cortex (Yantis & Abrams, 2017).ĭuring this course of travel, the auditory nerve fibers cross in the brain’s stem resulting in the sound wave in one ear passing to both left and right hemispheric cortices. He found that the brain could be tricked into resonating different brain wave frequencies by playing the same pure monotone sound wave frequency dichotically, one in each ear (Oster, 1973). In 1839, German physicist and meteorologist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove unveiled a remarkable phenomenon known as binaural beats. However, the focus of this study is on the gamma brain wave frequencies and its effects on cognition and memory with the use of binaural beats during encoding that will increase memory: this effect will be mediated by an increase in gamma brain wave frequency activity. (If you’re looking to be more creative and innovative in your thinking, keep in mind that sleep itself is a powerful tool.Studies have shown that the induction of specific brain wave frequencies can improve anxiety, alertness and attention, behavioral disorders, creativity, memory, moods, and pain by using sound wave frequencies, such as alpha, beta, delta, gamma, and theta (Chaieb, Wilpert, Reber, & Fell, 2015 Huang & Charyton, 2008 Lane, Kasian, Owens, & Marsh, 1997 Zampi, 2016).

This has scientists examining the possibility that binaural beats can be used to stimulate creativity. Studies have shown that binaural beats may affect levels of dopamine, a hormone that plays a broad role in cognition and a particular role in creative thinking. Attention may also be improved by using binaural beats.Research suggests that binaural beats can help working memory and long-term memory, and also strengthen connections among networks within the brain.Scientists are also looking at how binaural beats affect cognitive abilities, and whether this is a therapy that can be used to enhance cognitive functions such as learning, memory, focus, and creativity.The average increase was more than 97 percent.Īnother study looked at whether binaural beats helped anxiety in patients preparing for cataract surgery, and found that binaural beats led to reduced anxiety levels and lower blood pressure levels before surgery.īinaural beats to enhance cognition and creativity The study found 73 percent of participants had higher levels of melatonin after using binaural beats. Melatonin levels rise dramatically in the evening, and the hormone works to relax your body and mind, preparing you to fall asleep. The study found that 70 percent of participants experienced a reduction in cortisol after exposure to binaural beats. Too-high cortisol levels are associated with insomnia, as well as more time spent in light sleep, rather than deep sleep.

Cortisol levels rise and fall in connection to circadian rhythms-cortisol levels rise to their peak levels first thing in the morning, just in time for you to be active for the day.

Cortisol.Cortisol is an arousal hormone, stimulating alertness and attention.

The study found that 68 percent of participants had increases to DHEA after using binaural beats. Particularly significant for sleep is that DHEA works to suppress cortisol, a hormone that stimulates alertness and provokes stress at elevated levels. DHEA is critical to immune function and disease protection. DHEA functions as a kind of master hormone, helping to produce other hormones in the body on an as-needed basis.

Binaural beats delta waves