ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Binaural beats

Binaural beats are like magic sounds that can help your brain to relax or to work harder. When you listen to binaural beats, you wear headphones that play two different sounds in each ear. These sounds are very close to each other, but different enough so that your brain can hear them as two separate sounds.

By doing this, your brain tries to create a new sound that is the difference between the two sounds. This new sound is called the binaural beat. For example, if the sound in your left ear is 100 Hz and the sound in your right ear is 105 Hz, your brain will try to create a binaural beat of 5 Hz.

Different frequencies of binaural beats can have different effects on your brain waves. When you try to take a nap, you can listen to binaural beats with a low frequency like 3 Hz to help your brain relax and slow down. On the other hand, if you need to study for an exam, you can listen to binaural beats with a higher frequency like 12 Hz to help your brain focus and stay alert.

It’s important to remember that binaural beats are not a magic trick that works for everyone. Some people may not feel any effects, and others may not enjoy the experience. So, if you want to try binaural beats, make sure to do it in a safe and comfortable environment, and always listen to your body.