HSP Brain Differences Compared to Non-HSPs

Theta Brain State

HSP’s brain wave patterns are more frequently in a theta state. In this state, a person is more open to intuitive feelings and to picking up light, sound, and other subtle vibrations more deeply. While deep meditators (regardless of their sensitivity) are frequently in a theta state, they are able to filter out sensations through concentration.

A child under seven is predominantly in theta. Theta is a hypnotic state, and it’s how you absorb all this stuff for seven years. Just as under the spell of a hypnotist, you believe whatever messages you get.

Right Side Activity

Studies have found that babies who later showed the trait of HSP, also had cooler foreheads on the right side of their head, which indicates greater activity on the right side of the brain. The blood is drawn away from the surface toward the activity.

Babies with more electrical activity and blood flow on the right side of the brain are more likely to be Highly Sensitive Children.
 

Other Activity

HSPs showed more brain activity in the insula, the area associated with consciousness itself.  HSPs also showed more activity than others in their mirror neuron system.

Not only do these amazing neurons help us learn through imitation, but in conjunction with the other areas of the brain associated with empathy that were also shown in this study to be especially active for HSPs, the mirror neuron area helps us know others’ intentions and how they feel.