ASMR: Just Saying it Puts me to Sleep
Ever felt tingles down your spine while watching someone whisper on screen? Welcome to the mesmerizing world of ASMR, where relaxation meets sensory bliss in the most unexpected ways.
Alright, let's take a deeeep breath and read in silence as this blog post is whispered in your ear. Today, we're diving headfirst into the weird yet wonderful world of ASMR. You know, that thing where certain sounds make your brain feel like it's getting a warm hug? Yeah, that's the one.
Editor's note: I was first introduced to this relaxation practice through the Ozleyasmr account on TikTok. Thank goodness I stumbled upon her, as these nightly sensory experiences have completely transformed my ability to quiet my mind and fall into deep sleep.
What is ASMR?
So, let's break it down real simple-like. ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is like your brain being caressed to a point of complete relaxation. It's triggered by a whole bunch of things: Visual stimuli, Auditory stimuli, Tactile stimuli, Olfactory stimuli, Cognitive stimuli, Gentle movements, and Personal attention. It's a bit like your brain is getting the best massage at a spa and reaching a state of blissful peace where you just don't care about anything else.
ASMR has even been compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia and may overlap with frisson, which is like getting goosebumps from music or a powerful emotional experience, but way more enjoyable.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Most people report feeling all sorts of good sensations when they experience ASMR – things like relaxation, calm, sleepiness, or just an overall sense of well-being. It's no wonder ASMR has become a go-to sleep aid for many. I mean, who wouldn't want to trigger feelings of pleasure, boost hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, and improve sleep quality, all with just a few whispers and taps?
Now, I'm no scientist, but apparently, there's some real science behind this whole ASMR thing. Studies have shown that ASMR triggers can actually help lower your stress levels and boost your mood. Who knew that listening to someone whispering could be so therapeutic?
ASMR in Pop Culture:
Get this – ASMR has become its own little internet subculture. You can hop on YouTube and find a whole slew of videos featuring ASMR artists doing all sorts of quirky stuff, from crumpling paper bags to brushing their hair to whispering breathily. My personal favorites are the TikTok lives, and oh boy, do I respect the creators! They stay up sometimes until 2 a.m. making these amazing noises. I'm glad there's retribution for them through TikTok gifts.
ASMR isn't just some niche hobby anymore. It's blown up big time, thanks to platforms like YouTube and social media. There are ASMRtists out there with millions of followers, creating this amazing content.
The term ASMR was actually coined in the mid-2000s by an enthusiast who hoped to lend legitimacy to this whole phenomenon. I mean, "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response" sure sounds fancy, right? Although remembering those four words can stress us out. Lol!
By 2009, a YouTube user named WhisperingLife started creating whisper videos because she herself found that listening to people whisper was relaxing. In 2011, a subreddit forum called “ASMR: Sounds that feel good” was created, drawing more fans of the genre.
Fast forward to 2016, and WhisperingLife had well over half a million subscribers and 15 million video views and more channels had popped up during this time and moved well beyond whispering to whole buffets of audiovisual stimuli intended to give people the tingles.
But don't just take my word for it. According to the University of Sheffield, there are more than 13 million ASMR videos on YouTube that people watch to relax, relieve stress, or sleep better. And get this - a study published in PLOS One found that ASMR can actually lower your heart rate and leave you feeling more relaxed. Talk about a chill pill!
Of course, with anything as popular as ASMR, there are bound to be some naysayers. Some folks express concerns about ASMR's perceived sexual undertones, suggesting that the intimate nature of some ASMR videos could be misinterpreted or exploited. However, it's important to note that the vast majority of ASMR content creators focus on providing relaxation and sensory experiences rather than anything of a sexual nature. The ASMR community is quick to address and debunk these misconceptions, emphasizing that ASMR is about creating a safe and comforting space for individuals to unwind and destress.
Ssshhhh...
So, whether you're a die-hard ASMR fan or just curious about what all the fuss is about, one thing's for sure - ASMR is here to stay. With its ability to effectively reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and even potentially help with conditions like ADHD, ASMR is more than just a passing trend. Research suggests that about 10-20% of the global population is able to experience ASMR, so chances are, you might just be one of them. Trust me, your brain will thank you for it. Zzzz.
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