Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response
If you have trouble relaxing or sleeping, you’re not alone. In the hustle that is modern life, it can be difficult to find a moment of peace. That’s why millions of people worldwide turn to ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, to solve this problem. You may have seen ASMR videos on your YouTube feed and never thought much of them, but ASMR can unlock your ability to relax, unwind and detach through auditory stimulation.
ASMR is a term used to describe a combination of a tingling sensation on the skin and a feeling of mild euphoria that is stimulated by certain auditory and visual stimuli, known as triggers. These triggers vary between people, but the most common triggers include the sights and sounds of whispering, tapping, hair brushing, chewing, and personal attention that may involve being touched or spoken to. When active, these triggers can cause a tingling sensation that often begins in the head and works its way downwards, following the spine toward the shoulders, limbs, and lower back. These sensations are associated with an overall feeling of being relaxed, sleepy, and content.
You may feel overwhelmed by the demands of your life, but ASMR may be able to help you ease your stresses. The audio-neural stimulation that it provides has led to many experts recommending ASMR as a treatment for some forms of insomnia.
From YouTube to an ever-growing series of playlists on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Amazon Prime, many people fall asleep every night to ASMR, a practice that greatly improves their quality of life, allowing them to feel relaxed and drift off when they would otherwise be tossing and turning all night. Even if you don’t experience insomnia, sitting down after work or school and engaging in this can be a great way to unwind and improve your anxiety and stress levels.
These videos can take many forms, but what is always present is a calm, quiet voice and focused attention on the camera. Many YouTube channels are built around sensory meridian response ASMR and feature gentle whispering. Check out the following example.