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What is ASMR? Why it is so helpful with sleep?



The phenomenon you're referring to is known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). ASMR videos often feature individuals whispering softly into a microphone while engaging in various gentle movements or actions. While it may seem perplexing to those unfamiliar with it, ASMR triggers a unique sensory response in certain individuals, characterized by a tingling sensation that starts in the scalp and travels down the spine.


If you haven't experience, no worries. You can start here.


ASMR has gained widespread popularity due to its potential to induce relaxation, provide a sense of calm, and even aid in sleep. The melodic voice, whispered tones, and subtle hand movements in these videos can create a soothing and comforting experience for those who are sensitive to ASMR triggers.

While the exact reasons behind why ASMR affects people differently are still being studied, it is believed to be a combination of sensory and psychological factors. For those who experience ASMR, these videos can serve as a form of stress relief and a way to unwind from daily pressures.


In essence, ASMR videos have captivated millions of viewers due to their ability to elicit a uniquely pleasurable and calming response in individuals who are receptive to this sensory phenomenon.


What is ASMR


ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a phenomenon characterized by a tingling, static-like, or goosebumps sensation that occurs in response to certain audio or visual stimuli. This unique sensory experience is often described as starting from the head or scalp and spreading down the neck, spine, or limbs, although the specific sensations can vary from person to person. People who experience ASMR often report pleasant feelings of relaxation, calmness, sleepiness, or an overall sense of well-being. It is a subjective and personal experience that can bring about pleasurable sensations and contribute to a state of relaxation and contentment.


Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a delightful tingling sensation that typically originates from the scalp and cascades down the back of the neck and upper spine. This unique sensory experience is often described as a pleasurable form of paresthesia. ASMR has been likened to auditory-tactile synesthesia, where the stimulation of one sensory modality (sound) elicits sensations in another (touch). It may also exhibit similarities to frisson, the phenomenon characterized by intense emotional or sensory responses. The boundaries between ASMR, synesthesia, and frisson can sometimes overlap, highlighting the intriguing nature of these sensory phenomena.


So how does ASMR works?


The experience and triggers of ASMR can differ significantly from person to person, and it is true that not everyone experiences or understands it. Currently, scientific research on ASMR is limited, and our understanding of it primarily relies on anecdotal evidence shared on the internet.

ASMR triggers can encompass a wide range of stimuli. Some individuals find relaxation and tingling sensations through role-plays involving close personal attention and whispered sounds. Others enjoy videos featuring seemingly mundane activities such as spraying water, tapping, stirring soup, or crinkling wrapping paper. Elaborate role-plays, like those simulating a doctor's visit or a haircut, can also be triggers for some individuals. Preferences for ASMR triggers vary among individuals, and simpler videos can be particularly soothing and induce tingling sensations for some.

Ultimately, the experience of ASMR and its triggers are subjective and vary from person to person. While the scientific understanding of ASMR is currently limited, the anecdotal experiences shared by individuals online contribute to our collective understanding of this unique sensory phenomenon. Following things can trigger ASMR


  • Talking softly or moving slowly

  • Tapping or typing

  • Close personal attention or eye contact

  • Massage, hair brushing or hair cuts

  • Humming or chewing

  • Light patterns

  • Slowly turning a page or folding paper

  • Scratching, crisp or squishing sounds

  • Squishing or crunching sounds



One study by Emma L.Barratt, Nick J.Davis say eighty percent of participants responded positively when asked if ASMR has an effect of their mood. The results of this study suggest that ASMR also provides temporary relief in mood for those suffering from depression, with many individuals consciously using it for this purpose.


What does Ravi's story tell us?


Ravi's experience in discovering ASMR resonates with many others who have had similar encounters. His first encounter with the sensation occurred during his childhood when he experienced physical contact, specifically when friends would run their fingers through her forearms. However, it was not the physical touch itself that triggered the sensation, but rather the attention and focus he received from others.


At that time, ASMR did not have a widely recognized term. However, as Ravi delved deeper into the world of videos that triggered his ASMR, he noticed the term being used more frequently in YouTube comments. By the time he started creating his own videos, the ASMR community and the term itself had already become well-established.


What's in store for future?


If the question is, does ASMR stimuli provoke a physiological response in brain activity and in the body, then yes, there is some empirical evidence that it does," says David E. Warren, PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center neuroscience researcher, based on his reading of publications on ASMR. "Is there empirical evidence that ASMR reliably changes mood or has lasting effects on mental health? No, there is not. There have not yet been large-scale clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of ASMR stimuli for those important mental health attributes."


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