Binaural beats are an increasingly popular study tool that has been shown to help with stress and anxiety reduction, improve attention and concentration, and enhance relaxation.

What are binaural beats?

Binaural beats are auditory illusions caused by simultaneously presenting two distinct frequencies to each ear. The difference between these two frequencies is perceived by the brain as a third separate tone. For example, if a frequency of 50 Hz is played in one ear and a frequency of 60 Hz in the other, the brain will experience a binaural beat at 10 Hz. When this happens, your brain activity matches the binaural beat, meaning you can use specific frequencies of beats to enhance your mental state. 

What can binaural beats do?

One of the primary advantages of binaural beats is their ability to alleviate tension and anxiety. Participants in a study by the University of Zurich observed a substantial decrease in heart rate speed and self-reported emotions of tension and anxiety after listening to binaural beats.  

Binaural beats have also been demonstrated to boost attention and focus. Participants in a research study done by the University of Naples who listened to binaural beats performed better on a test demanding continuous attention. Binaural beats may also potentially be beneficial in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by improving focus and concentration. 

There are 5 main types of binaural beats differentiated by bandwidth- alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and theta. Each type is believed to have different effects and benefits.  

Alpha: 8-14 Hz:  

Associated with:  

• Productivity 
• Sustained focus and a state of flow 

• Relaxation  
• Positive mindset 

When brain Alpha waves are at typical levels, we tend to have positive emotions, feel peaceful and have clear thoughts as they occur naturally in the body when people feel relaxed. Alpha beats can, therefore, help relax your brain during a particularly tough study session, helping you study for longer and with enhanced productivity.  

Beta: 14-30 Hz:  

Associated with:   

• Maintaining your concentration 
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking 
• Increased energy  
• High-level reasoning 

Beta waves are known as the focus powerhouse of the brain. When we concentrate, beta waves increase; therefore, beta binaural beats can be an effective way to push your brain into concentration mode. Beta-binaural beats are also helpful to boost energy and motivation. 

Gamma: 30-100 Hz:  

Associated with: 

• Improved cognitive performance 

• Improved memory recall through attention to detail 
• Introspective, deep thinking 
• Faster processing speed 

Gamma brain waves are in charge of your memory, learning, knowledge acquisition, and cognitive functioning. Neuroscientists generally agree that gamma waves can connect data from all sections of the brain. Students listening to gamma waves may find they have better memory recall, faster high-level information processing and quicker understanding of new topics.  

Delta: 1-4 Hz:  

Associated with:  

• Deep sleep 
• Pain alleviation and healing 
• Meditation 

• Stress and cortisol reduction 

Delta brainwaves are thought to be the “most soothing brainwave,” most typically seen during deep meditation or dreamless sleep. According to Psychology Today, Delta binaural beats have been used to alleviate insomnia by creating a state of deep relaxation. Delta beats may increase the release of oxytocin and serotonin, both feel-good hormones, and reduce cortisol, a hormone generated when a person is stressed.  

Theta: 4-8 Hz:  

Associated with:  

• Enhanced creativity 
• Memory retrieval  
• Emotional processing 

Theta brain waves are vital for information processing and memory formation, as studies have shown that Theta waves are heightened when learning a new skill. Many believe that listening to theta beats can help with both long- and short-term information recall, which may help you study and learn better.  

Overall, binaural beats have been shown to offer a variety of possible benefits, including decreased stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, and increased relaxation. They can be powerful and on rare occasions, they have been linked with depression so do be aware of this. They have also been associated with short-term anxiety and/or anger, but this risk of side effects is low.  We can react to different frequencies differently from others so do experiment and see what works for you. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of binaural beats. They are frequently found by students to be useful for studying, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving overall mental health so you could try them and see if they help you.  

MyStudyZen is an innovative app designed to help students perform better by harnessing the power of binaural beats. MyStudyZen also offers a range of other productivity-enhancing audios, including white noise, nature sounds, and guided meditations. These audios are carefully curated to help students overcome distractions, reduce stress, and boost their cognitive function.

With MyStudyZen, students can take their studying to the next level and achieve academic success with ease. Whether you’re studying for an exam or working on a project, MyStudyZen can help you stay focused, motivated, and productive. Download the app today.