Alpha waves may represent idle visual cortex activity, or non-aroused awake states, where Beta is aroused awake states. Although they aren't either top or bottom of the frequency range, Alpha was named first because they were discovered first, in 1908 by Hans Berger, a psychiatrist.

Alpha waves have been researched more than the other types, and are the target of biofeedback and other enhancement techniques, as well as subject to increase in people who practice yoga and/or zen. Strong Alpha waves enhance peak performance, strong immune systems and creativity. Bursts of Alpha waves are characteristic of creative "aha!" moments, and precede moments of peak performance in highly trained athletes. Extensive athletic training leads to higher Alpha wave production. Alpha waves also help reduce stress, and are characteristic of REM sleep and dreaming.

When you finish something you're doing and stop to rest, you switch from Beta to Alpha states. Alpha is also the state you're in if you are thinking reflectively or lightly meditating. Healthy Alpha states promote resourcefulness and coordination. In Alpha, it is easy to complete a task with calm efficiency, as long as the task does not require you to process information, which requires the Beta state.

The primary feeling of the Alpha state is relaxed, tranquil consciousness. But Alpha states can be overused. If you spend too much time in escape and daydreaming you are overdoing the Alpha state. But they can also be underused, leading to automaton-like behavior, without any dreams or goals for direction. A balance of waking states is best, allowing time for active Beta processing, as well as Alpha reflection and daydreaming. However, increasing time spent in Alpha states can at times help you to relax and relieve stress, so the balance between waking states, between Alpha and Beta, needs to be fluid and responsive to external events and internal responses. Alpha waves are suppressed by caffeine, which is the opposite of the effect of caffeine on Beta waves. But in addition, our modern world has developed one technological device which almost instantly reduces us to a very low Alpha state--television. This low Alpha makes us highly receptive to input in an uncritical way.