ASMR and Sleep

“Over the last decade, ASMR videos have become very popular on the internet and social media. You may have seen these videos, which often feature whispering, tapping noises, and methodical movements. Or perhaps you experienced ASMR firsthand when you heard someone whisper or you moved in a repetitive manner and experienced a relaxing, tingling sensation as a result.

What Is ASMR?

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It is a sensory and emotional reaction to certain stimuli. ASMR typically causes a tingling sensation that begins at the top of the head in response to soft or gentle triggers, such as having your face lightly touched or hearing someone whisper.

The most common reason people use ASMR is to relax. In fact, a recent survey found that over one-quarter of respondents use ASMR for relaxation on a daily basis. People also report that ASMR videos help reduce stress and improve mood. And emerging research suggests that ASMR may be instrumental in helping people sleep better.

Can ASMR Help You Sleep?

Research suggests that of people who view ASMR videos, 82% do so in order to fall asleep more easily. Also, the most common time for engaging in ASMR is before bed.

Experts suspect ASMR may help with sleep by promoting relaxation. ASMR can be physically calming, with one study finding that even the sounds from ASMR content alone, without visuals, can trigger relaxation. Experts suggest that being so deeply relaxed may make a person feel sleepy.

How to Use ASMR for Sleep

Sleep specialists recommend relaxation techniques to improve sleep habits, and this is where ASMR may come into play. Engaging in ASMR in a quiet, calm atmosphere near bedtime may help you wind down and feel sleepy. Using headphones to drown out background noise, so you can fully focus on the sounds in ASMR videos may also help.

These triggers often include:

• Soft sounds, such as whispers

• Crisp noises, such as rustling of paper

• Hair brushing or other personal care tasks
• Slow, repeating motions"

Read the full article on The Sleep Doctor

✨Takeaway: ASMR typically induces a relaxing, pleasant experience. Over the past few years, many people have developed an interest in ASMR, probably as a result of these positive results. While preliminary research is encouraging and may eventually result in ASMR-based therapy, inducing ASMR is not a replacement for traditional medical treatment.

✨Reflection: Have you ever tried ASMR? If so, what’s your favorite kind?

#Sleep #ASMR #Relaxation #Calming #Soothing #Autonomous #Sensory