Alpha, beta, gamma: brain waves during a lucid dream

EEG records electrical activity. Frequency bands are useful analytical categories, not one-to-one labels for brain functions. Rhythm power and connectivity between regions are different measurements.

The primary source

Demirel and colleagues (2025), full paper compared lucid episodes, nonlucid REM and wakefulness, paying particular attention to eye-movement artifacts.

Alpha

Functional connectivity at 8–12 Hz increased in lucid versus nonlucid REM. That statistical result does not prove a required ‘relaxed focus’ or a cause of awakening.

Beta

Reduced 12–30 Hz power in right central and parietal areas does not establish that the brain physically disconnected from the body.

Gamma

The increase at 30–36 Hz around initial eye signaling was localised to right temporo-occipital sources, including the precuneus. Historical frontal forty-hertz reports are complicated by saccadic artifacts; this is not a mandatory diagnostic signal.

Not a stimulation instruction

This study does not establish reliable electrical induction or a common gamma flash behind every technique. Journaling and meditation are not demonstrated ways to ‘train gamma’. Do not apply current or home devices on the basis of this article.

Practical methods require their own studies and attention to sleep, not a desired rhythm. Start with a journal and consider induction limits independently of neuroscience interest.