Alpha Waves

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Alpha waves are brain waves that have a frequency of 8–12 Hz. They are produced when you're awake, relaxed, and resting. Alpha waves are most common right before you fall asleep.

Alpha waves are at the center of your brainwave spectrum. When your brain is operating at the alpha frequency, you're able to absorb new information with ease and you're significantly more creative.

Alpha waves are most intensely seen in the occipital region (visual cortex) when a subject has their eyes closed. The synchronization is caused by blocking visual input to occipital areas.

Alpha waves are also called "Berger's waves" after Hans Berger, who first described them when he invented the EEG in 1924.