It might have been accompanied by a pleasant tingling sensation in your head or down your neck and back.
You may have experienced ASMR – and there is a huge online community of people making content with the intention of recreating that sensation.
What is ASMR?
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It refers to a tingling sensation that some people experience, typically starting on the scalp and moving down the back of the neck and upper spine, in response to certain auditory or visual stimuli, commonly referred to as ‘triggers’.
Triggers for ASMR vary from person to person, but common ones include:
- Whispering or soft-speaking
- Tapping or scratching sounds
- Crinkling noises (like rustling paper or plastic)
- Personal attention (like someone brushing your hair)
- Slow, deliberate movements (such as hand movements)
Many people use ASMR as a form of relaxation, similar to how some use meditation or listening to calming music. The sensation of tingling and the soothing nature of ASMR content can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promote better sleep and enhance overall wellbeing.
How does ASMR work?
When a person encounters these triggers, their brain responds by releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins, which contribute to feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Functional MRI studies suggest that ASMR triggers activate areas of the brain related to social bonding, emotional regulation and relaxation. The response might involve brain regions associated with reward and sensory processing.
Who experiences ASMR?
If the sensation being described is completely foreign to you, it might be that you don’t experience ASMR. The phenomenon is not universally experienced, meaning that not everyone is sensitive to the so-called triggers.
Research on the prevalence of ASMR suggests that it is a relatively common experience, though estimates vary. Surveys and studies have indicated that about 50-60 per cent of people report experiencing ASMR at least occasionally.
Studies have shown that ASMR experiences are more common in younger adults and women, though it is not exclusive to these groups. People who are more sensitive to sensory input or have a high level of openness to experience may be more likely to respond to ASMR triggers. The experience can also be influenced by personal preferences and the context in which the stimuli are received.
The scientific understanding of ASMR is still developing, and research is ongoing to better understand who experiences it and why.
What’s with all the whispering videos on the internet?
If you haven’t come across ASMR content online yet, get ready to discover a vast community of creators and enthusiasts dedicated to exploring and sharing this unique sensory experience.
ASMR content has become popular on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where creators produce videos designed to trigger this response in viewers. People often watch ASMR videos to relax, fall asleep, or reduce stress and anxiety.
For someone new to this corner of the internet, it can seem very strange to begin with! But once you find creators or triggers that resonate with you, you may open yourself up to a whole new world of relaxation.
Could it have benefits for mental health?
The scientific research in this area is still evolving. But some commonly reported benefits among people who experience ASMR, and seek out the sensation, are that it helps to alleviate stress, insomnia and anxiety, and can encourage relaxation and mindfulness.
Whether or not ASMR could benefit your mental health is a matter of personal preference. If certain stimuli trigger an ASMR response for you, and it makes you feel relaxed, it could be a useful tool to promote wellbeing and incorporate more calm into your day.
While many people report positive effects, it’s important to recognise that ASMR may not be beneficial for everyone and responses can vary. Additionally, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind ASMR and its long-term effects on mental health.
