Theta Waves: When the Brain “Daydreams” at School

You may know a student who always seems elsewhere, whose eyes are on the board while their mind appears to be somewhere else. This behaviour is not necessarily due to a lack of interest or effort. For some people living with ADHD, it may reflect differences in how the brain regulates its level of activation and attention.

Neuroscience is particularly interested in Theta waves, brain rhythms associated with daydreaming and certain states of low alertness. In some people living with ADHD, these waves have been widely studied because of their possible link to attention difficulties, although some findings are now the subject of scientific debate.

What Are Theta Waves?

Theta waves are slow brain oscillations, generally ranging from 4 to 8 Hz. They are part of the brain’s normal electrical activity and appear during different cognitive states.

They are particularly associated with:

• light drowsiness or the transition between wakefulness and sleep;
• daydreaming, deep meditation, and the hypnagogic state before falling asleep;
• certain creative processes and diffuse-mode problem-solving;
• certain mechanisms involved in long-term memory consolidation;
• cognitive states observed in some artists and creators.

Theta waves are therefore not negative in themselves; they can even be beneficial. They are part of normal brain function and can be useful, but in the right contexts.

The problem arises when they appear in excessive amounts in the frontal areas of the brain at times when a person needs to be active and focused.

The Theta Profile in ADHD: A Historically Studied EEG Marker

Since the 1970s, researchers have examined differences in the brain’s electrical activity observed in some people with ADHD. These different brain rhythms are studied using electroencephalography (EEG).

One of the profiles studied is the theta/beta ratio, which compares Theta-wave activity with Beta-wave activity. Beta waves are more closely associated with active wakefulness, cognitive mobilization, and engagement in a task.

Some studies have observed the following in a proportion of people with ADHD:

• increased Theta activity in certain brain regions, particularly frontal areas;
• relatively lower Beta activity compared with Theta activity;
• a higher theta/beta ratio in some of the groups studied.

These profiles are particularly pronounced during monotonous or unstimulating tasks.

However, scientific understanding has evolved. A 2025 meta-analysis published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback indicates that differences once attributed mainly to the theta/beta ratio may be influenced by other characteristics of EEG activity, such as aperiodic activity or individual alpha frequency. The theta/beta ratio remains an important research topic, but it is not currently a tool that can diagnose ADHD on its own.

Researchers are now studying other EEG markers, including certain parameters related to individual alpha frequency, to better understand the diversity of brain profiles associated with ADHD.

Why Can Too Much Theta Activity Mean Less Attention?

The frontal lobes play an essential role in executive functions. They are involved in:

• maintaining attention;
• planning;
• decision-making;
• impulse control;
• organizing information.

When the frontal lobes are dominated by Theta waves, certain difficulties may appear:

• concentration becomes harder to maintain over a long period;
• distractions take over more easily;
• unstimulating tasks require much more effort;
• the person may appear absent even though they are genuinely trying to stay engaged.

This impression of being “disconnected” does not necessarily reflect a lack of willpower.

It is important to remember, however, that ADHD is a complex condition involving several brain networks. No single EEG marker, including the theta/beta ratio, can explain all the characteristics observed in people living with ADHD.

Theta and Creativity: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Theta waves also play a role in abilities often recognized in people with ADHD:

• divergent thinking and exceptional creativity,
• the ability to generate original ideas quickly,
• the capacity to hyperfocus on compelling subjects,
• intuition and unconventional associations between ideas,
• a natural inclination toward exploration and novelty.

The goal is therefore not to eliminate Theta waves, but to help the brain regulate them according to the context—to set them aside when a task requires concentration and allow them to emerge in creative settings.

How Can Excess Theta-Wave Activity Be Addressed?

Several approaches may help rebalance the theta/beta ratio:

• structure the learning environment to limit distractions;
• incorporate movement into learning periods;
• schedule active breaks;
• alternate cognitively demanding tasks with periods of recovery;
• use teaching methods that encourage engagement and stimulation;
• use neurofeedback to train brain self-regulation.

Neurofeedback is an approach that uses real-time feedback on brain activity to help a person develop certain self-regulation abilities.

Today, neurofeedback research takes a broader perspective. Scientists continue to study which EEG parameters are most relevant for different individual profiles. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) recognizes neurofeedback as an approach supported by scientific evidence in certain clinical contexts.

At Neuroperforma, this approach is designed to support the training of brain self-regulation abilities through protocols adapted to each person’s goals.

FAQ

Can the theta/beta ratio diagnose ADHD?

No. Although it has been widely studied, the theta/beta ratio cannot currently be used to make an individual ADHD diagnosis. An assessment is based on a comprehensive clinical analysis that considers symptoms, their development, and their impact on daily life.

Are Theta waves always negative?

No. Theta waves are part of normal brain function. They play a role in several cognitive processes, including certain aspects of memory, creativity, and states of relaxation.

Does a person with ADHD necessarily produce too many Theta waves?

No. EEG profiles associated with ADHD vary. Some people may display certain characteristics studied in research, while others have different profiles.

Can neurofeedback improve attention?

Neurofeedback aims to train certain brain self-regulation abilities through real-time feedback. Research continues to examine the mechanisms involved and the profiles of people who may benefit from it.

Conclusion

Theta waves illustrate the complexity of brain function in ADHD. They are not a “bad” signal that needs to be eliminated, but a natural component of brain activity.

When a child appears to daydream in class, it does not mean they are refusing to learn. Differences in the regulation of brain activity can make it harder to maintain attention in certain situations.

Understanding these mechanisms makes it possible to take a different approach—not trying to correct a lack of willpower, but better supporting each person’s specific needs.

Would you like to better understand how neurofeedback can support brain self-regulation? Discover our approach and explore our resources on brain function, attention, and ADHD to learn more about the mechanisms involved.