<p>Sometimes an individual dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder will create alpha blocking or a rise in the amplitude of beta with eyes closed. For most individuals, when we close our eyes we are able to relax. The brain signals to the body that we are safe and able to rest or fall asleep. The parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, assuring the body (and the brain) that it is safe to rest, digest and recuperate from the activities of the day.&nbsp;</p><p>In the case of PTSD, the opposite happens. When the eyes are closed again, vigilance appears (which can be seen in the rise of amplitude in beta brainwaves).&nbsp; Beta and high beta are the frequencies in which we process cognitive data. These are the brainwaves in which we think. Typically, the waveforms of alpha and ultimately theta and delta rise when we close our eyes. Additionally, we may see a drop in delta and theta when eyes are closed, signifying a further inability to relax.</p><p>What can be expected from an EEG response such as this is difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, nightmares&nbsp; (due to an overly active brain at rest), and the results from poor or compromised sleep (fatigue, grumpiness, feelings of heaviness, poor attention, inability to stay on task, difficulty sequencing thoughts, et cetera.).</p>