Binaural beats.
Brainwaves.
A little understanding.

01 / THE SOUND

What are binaural beats?

A binaural beat is a perceived rhythm created when each ear receives a slightly different tone. For example, a 200 Hz tone in one ear and a 210 Hz tone in the other can produce the sensation of a 10 Hz beat. The beat is a listening phenomenon, rather than a separate 10 Hz sound played through the headphones. [1]

Hz means hertz: cycles per second. The pitch of the tones and the rate of the perceived beat are two different settings. In this example, 200 and 210 Hz describe the tones; 10 Hz describes their difference.

Stereo headphones keep the two tones separate, one for each ear. Ordinary speakers mix the channels in the room, so they do not preserve that same listening setup. [1]

02 / THE LABELS

What do brainwave frequencies mean?

Brainwaves are patterns of electrical activity recorded with equipment such as an EEG. Researchers group rhythms into frequency bands. The boundaries vary somewhat between studies; the names below are a useful introduction, not a set of separate mental modes. [2]

Seeing “alpha” or “theta” on an audio setting tells you about its frequency range. It does not tell you what your brain is doing. Alterstate does not measure brainwaves, and choosing a sound frequency is not the same as selecting a mental state.

03 / A QUIETER MOMENT

Alpha waves for relaxation: what does that mean?

Alpha activity is often observed during relaxed wakefulness with the eyes closed. That association helps explain why alpha frequencies appear so often in descriptions of relaxation audio. It is an observation about brain activity—not proof that an alpha-labelled track will make you relaxed. [3]

Research on alpha and beta binaural beats has not consistently shown that the EEG follows the beat frequency. In one study, researchers found no such frequency-following effect. [4]

For your own listening, there is no need to chase a number. Choose a sound you find comfortable, keep the volume gentle, and notice whether you enjoy the experience. You can prefer a track without needing to claim that it changes your brainwaves.

04 / WINDING DOWN

Binaural beats for sleep: what can you expect?

A bedtime playlist may be part of the space you make for winding down. With binaural beats, however, a track’s frequency is not a guarantee that you will fall asleep, stay asleep, or enter a particular sleep stage.

Sleep itself is more varied than a single slow rhythm. It moves through non-REM and REM phases; during REM, recorded brain activity can resemble waking activity. A “delta” label on a recording is not evidence that it creates deep sleep. [5]

If you choose to listen before bed, pick a comfortable sound and a volume that feels unobtrusive. You do not need to keep listening if it is distracting or unpleasant. Alterstate’s sleep-themed sessions are listening experiences for winding down, not a treatment for insomnia or other sleep conditions.

05 / YOUR EXPERIENCE

How sound fits into Alterstate

Alterstate brings together prepared audio sessions, guided self-hypnosis, and a Studio where you can explore your own mix. Choose an experience for your moment, rather than treating a frequency as a prescription.

Binaural beats

Two slightly different tones, delivered separately to your ears. Use stereo headphones for this listening effect.

Isochronic pulses

A tone that pulses at a regular rate. Unlike a binaural beat, the pulse is part of the audio itself; it does not depend on a different tone in each ear.

Carrier tones & ambient textures

The tones and background sounds that shape the mix. Adjust them to your preferences, alongside textures such as rain or white noise.

Guided self-hypnosis

Spoken guidance, imagination, and focused attention, with binaural beats woven underneath as an audio backdrop. In Alterstate’s hypnotic inductions, the voice and sound form one listening experience. The binaural layer does not imply that you are reaching a particular brainwave state.

Keep your volume comfortable and listen only where you can safely relax. Never use relaxation or hypnosis sessions while driving or operating machinery. Stop if you feel uncomfortable. See Wellness & Safety for the full listening guidance.

A FEW MORE THINGS

Common questions