Understanding My Alpha Peak Frequency

This article explains how to read your Alpha Peak Frequency (APF) results over time, why your readings may vary, and how APF relates to your other Muse results.

Alpha Peak Frequency was called Cognitive Performance before version 56 of the Muse app. To learn more about the change, see Alpha Peak Frequency (formerly Cognitive Performance). If you're new to APF, start with Getting Started with Alpha Peak Frequency.

 

What can affect my Alpha Peak Frequency reading?
How do I see my Alpha Peak Frequency over time?
How often should I check my Alpha Peak Frequency?
Why does my APF vary so little?
Why does my APF vary so much?
Can I raise my Alpha Peak Frequency?
Why did my rating change?
Is Alpha Peak Frequency related to my calm score?
Is Alpha Peak Frequency part of Brain Age?
Should I consult a professional for further information?

 

What can affect my Alpha Peak Frequency reading?

Your alpha peak is easiest to detect when your eyes are closed and you're still and at rest. Session conditions that can affect your reading include:

• Opening your eyes, or looking at or listening to something during the session

• Moving, fidgeting or adjusting the headband

• Short sessions, where more of the session is spent settling in

• Feeling drowsy, which can make another frequency peak instead

• Poor signal quality from the sensors

For tips, see Why do I have No Reading?

How do I see my Alpha Peak Frequency over time?

1. Tap Health in the bottom menu bar.

2. Under Other Metrics, tap Alpha Peak Frequency. You can also tap View Trends on the card in a session's results.

Each daily data point is the average of all the biofeedback sessions you completed that day. Your average is based on the data points visible on the graph, so it changes as you swipe left and right. Your all-time average is shown below the graph.

To see the reading from a single session, tap the Me tab, then Session History, and tap any biofeedback session.

Tip: Add a journal entry after your session to note anything that stood out, such as a busy day or a short night's sleep. It gives you context when you look back at your readings.

How often should I check my Alpha Peak Frequency?

There's no set schedule. You get a reading with each biofeedback session where your alpha peak is detected. Sessions at a similar time of day and in similar conditions are easier to compare.

Why does my APF vary so little?

For many people, Alpha Peak Frequency stays at a similar value over months or years. That's normal. Your alpha peak is personal to you, which is why Muse compares each session with your own baseline.

Why does my APF vary so much?

If your readings jump between two quite different values, for example, one around 8 Hz and another around 11 Hz, you may have what's called a split alpha peak. This is a normal variation in alpha waves, where two frequencies in the alpha band are both strong.

Can I raise my Alpha Peak Frequency?

Alpha Peak Frequency isn't a score to raise. It shows where your alpha rhythm peaked in a session, compared with your own baseline. For the best chance of getting a reading, see the tips in Why do I have No Reading?

 

Why did my rating change?

Your rating compares each session's alpha peak with your baseline from your last 10 sessions where an alpha peak was detected. Your baseline updates with every new reading, so the same alpha peak value can get a different rating over time.

 

Is Alpha Peak Frequency related to my calm score?

Both use EEG data, but they're calculated separately, with different algorithms. Alpha Peak Frequency finds the frequency in the alpha band with the strongest activity and compares it with your baseline. Your calm score comes from your Mind session data. A change in one doesn't mean a change in the other.

 

Is Alpha Peak Frequency part of Brain Age?

No. On your Brain Age results, "Cognitive Performance" refers to your results on the four cognitive tests, not Alpha Peak Frequency. See Understanding Brain Age.

 

Should I consult a professional for further information?

Muse is not a medical device and should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. Our products and services are intended to provide information that can help you manage and support your well-being through biofeedback and sleep data.

Please speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health, or if you're thinking of making changes to prescription medications or your lifestyle.