“Binaural beat” is a phenomenon where each ear is presented with a tone that differs slightly from the tone heard in the other ear. As the nerves that detect sound conduct these sensations to the part of the brain that processes auditory information (called the auditory cortex), instead of processing each tone separately, the brain detects the frequency to be the difference between the two tones. For instance, if the left ear receives a tone with a frequency of 100Hz, and the right ear receives a tone of 103Hz, then the “beat” is 3Hz.
Neurology research has revealed that different ranges of beats can induce changes in brain waves in people who listen to them in stereo with a different “speaker” (or earbud, or earphone) in each ear. As a result, an entire field of “wellness music” has emerged, with ambient sound compositions intentionally producing various beats intended to stimulate specific types of brain waves that, depending on their frequency, could therapeutically address conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, focus and arousal.
KONK follows the science, and maintains that wellness music can be incorporated into the management of insomnia, as well as promoting relaxation in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea who are newly acclimating to an APAP/CPAP device. In fact, KONK has curated three wellness music playlists on Spotify, with each playlist specifically designed to promote a different stage of deep sleep or relaxation.
What follows is a summary of the three different binaural beat ranges for these differing brain wave stages.
Deep non-REM sleep. The deepest stage of sleep that does not involve rapid eye movement and dreaming is associated with delta waves in the brain. This type of deep sleep can be highly restorative. Binaural beats of up to 4Hz have been associated with delta wave activity in their listeners. For this reason, KONK has curated the KONK Deep Sleep playlist on Spotify, which provides several hours of ambient music with binaural beats of up to 4Hz. We recommend this playlist for people with or without Obstructive Sleep Apnea, who would like to optimize their sleep maintenance and reduce middle-of-the-night awakenings.
Deep REM sleep. Sleep that involves rapid eye movement – often considered the deepest stage of sleep – is associated with dreaming, restoration, and consolidation of memory. This type of sleep is associated with theta wave activity, and binaural beats within the range of 4Hz-8Hz. The KONK REM Theta Wave playlist addresses this stage of sleep and these ranges of beats, aimed at those who are seeking the specific benefits of the dream state. Again, the KONK REM Theta Wave playlist is appropriate for those with and without Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Relaxation. Relaxation in a waking or somnolent phase is associated with alpha brain waves, and binaural beats in the range of 8Hz-12Hz. KONK recognizes that the first few nights on APAP/CPAP can be difficult, as people are not accustomed to sleeping with even small nasal masks on their faces, nor inhaling positive pressure airflow. For this reason, we have curated the KONK Relax on CPAP playlist, for those who simply want to initiate their device use while they experience a sense of calm. Of course, the KONK Relax on CPAP playlist can be used by anyone who seeks relaxation or meditative states at any time of day or night, whether or not they sleep with a device or wearable.