Many people may not have heard of ASMR (Auto Sensory Meridian Response). Some people may have heard of it and think it’s “weird” or “perverse”.
Other people, like myself and so many other people around the world use ASMR for its real purpose. A relaxant to put us to sleep. Whilst it’s a very strange phenomenon, let me explain.
ASMR stands for Auto Sensory Meridian Response. What it means in practice is using the senses (mainly sight and hearing) to induce a tingling feeling in the base of the skull and down the spine. People have what’s known as “triggers” – meaning things that induce the ASMR response. Some on these include:
- Whispering
- Tapping sounds
- Folding sheets
- Turning pages
The aim of ASMR for 99% of viewers and listeners and listeners is to relax and go to sleep. There are a myriad of what are known as “ASMRtists” on YouTube who create videos with all of the sounds I have mentioned and more in an effort to get you to go to sleep. With some of them having hundreds of thousands, if not millions of subscribers, it is evident that ASMR is becoming an increasingly popular relaxation and sleep aid.
Many people misunderstand ASMR as having a sexual undertone, due to pretty young women getting close to cameras and talking softly to you. This is what resulted in these types of videos being banned in China, due to misunderstanding. This resulted in a renowned Chinese YouTuber relocating to the US to pursue her interest in making ASMR videos.
ASMR has only come into the mainstream over the last two years or so and has caused a lot of discussion all over the world for all of the reason I have laid out and more. If you explore YouTube, you will find all manner of videos, from mermaid saleswomen through to supermarket checkouts and even spa treatments, all of which aiming to induce the tingling sensation that their viewers are seeking.
The so called “ASMR Community” fully understand that people may not necessarily want to watch their videos, so they always have the prefix of [ASMR] next to them. So, if that’s not what you’re looking for, you can scroll past. If it is, you can dive right in and give it a go! Not everybody is receptive to the ASMR response, however those who are use it to promote their own sense of wellbeing and to try and alleviate issues such as depression and insomnia due the videos having a relaxing effect.
Personally, I do watch ASMR videos, which is why I decided to write this post. Tapping sounds send me to sleep in no time at all. I can’t remember how I came across it, but I’m glad I did. I always put my headphones in and most nights I am asleep before a 20 minute video finishes. I understand it’s not for everyone, but if you’re struggling to sleep I’d give it a try and see how you get on!
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