Isochronic tones are a type of brainwave entrainment that uses a clear beat/tone to influence and drive your brainwave frequency to match the tone. This process is called “entrainment,” and it’s the basis for most popular forms of meditation, sleep enhancement, and focus/concentration.
They’re similar to their binaural beat cousins, but they don’t require headphones because they use a single tone instead of two different frequencies. The frequency of the tone is turned on and off quickly, creating a distinct pulsing sound that excites your thalamus to follow along with it’s own rhythm.
Understanding Isochronic Tones for Brain Health
Low-frequency isochronic tones are associated with the delta wave state, which is a deep and restful sleep. Higher-frequency tones, such as beta and gamma, are associated with concentration.
Like other brainwave entrainment techniques, isochronic tones are known for helping you relax and reduce stress, improve your ability to focus, and achieve a state of mindful peak performance like flow. They’re also being researched for a variety of other conditions and symptoms, such as pain management, ADHD, and anxiety.
To get the most out of your isochronic tones, make sure you’re well hydrated before listening. It’s been shown that around 75% of your brain consists of water, and it needs to be hydrated in order to function properly. It’s recommended to listen to isochronic tones for 20-30 minutes at a time and increase the length of your sessions over time as you become more accustomed to them. It’s also not recommended to use isochronic tones when operating machinery or driving.