Have you discovered ASMR? Read on and see how ASMR can help you relax, reduce anxiety and aid sleep.
​
I watch/listen to ASMR videos every night – they help me, and thousands of others, relax and drift off to sleep.
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a term used for an experience characterised by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It is most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attention control.
ASMR is usually precipitated by stimuli referred to as ‘triggers’. ASMR triggers, which are most commonly auditory and visual, may be encountered through the interactions of daily life. You may realise that things you have always liked the sound of, or situations of personal attention such as haircuts or even eye exams are actual ASMR triggers for you! In addition to the ‘tingles’, ASMR often induces relaxation and sleep and is becoming increasingly popular as a relaxation aid all over the world!
Stimuli that can trigger ASMR, as reported by those who experience it, include the following:
​
Listening to a nurturing softly spoken or whispering voice.
Listening to quiet, repetitive sounds resulting from someone engaging in a task such as turning
the pages of a book.
Watching somebody attentively execute a task such as preparing food.
Loudly chewing, crunching, slurping or biting foods, drinks, or gum.
Receiving personal attention such as medical examinations, facials, hair cuts and make up application
Crinkling, tapping, cutting and fabric sounds