Written By: Mika Lai
INTRODUCTION
With over 25 million YouTube channels posting over half a million videos, ASMR has become an infamous YouTube genre, generating millions of viewers, mesmerized by the calming sensations of tapping, clicking and whispering. But what is ASMR really? Why do so many people claim that ASMR helps them relax or sleep? Is there hard science that actually back up this internet phenomenon?
WHAT IS ASMR?
ASMR is a sensory phenomenon that stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It describes the sensations you receive from audio-visual stimuli, where many who experience ASMR portray the feeling as static or tingling-like sensations on the skin from your scalp to the back of your neck or upper spine. ASMR videos include an individual whispering or softly speaking to a highly sensitive microphone, playing around with different objects, tapping, scratching, clicking and repeating these movements. Ultimately, ASMR includes close-personal attention which allows viewers to relax and feel a sense of calmness.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ASMR
Although ASMR is merely a phenomenon, many research has been conducted worldwide to empirically explain the mechanisms behind why ASMR is so soothing. Research led by physiologists from Dartmouth College have shown that ASMR activates the same brain regions that are activated when people receive positive, personal attention in real life. The close personal attention that ASMR provides activates areas of the brain including the nucleus accumbent, insulation and medial prefrontal cortex, which are areas that process emotion and social behaviors, releasing oxytocin, which is a neurotransmitter best known when individuals receive romantic attention of affection. Furthermore, the brain also releases dopamine and endorphins, which are also known for generating the feeling of pleasure and reward. This can explain why people have stated that ASMR boosts their mood, relieves their pain and allows them to fall asleep faster.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Some studies and news articles claim that ASMR can induce benefits for people experiencing anxiety, chronic pain, ADHD or insomnia. This is backed by a study in the UK which recorded significantly reduced heart rates in test subjects experiencing ASMR. Another result showed an increase in skin While ASMR may not fully be a cure or long-term cure for such disorders, it certainly allows most individuals to loosen up and relax, allowing them to feel more at ease.
DOES EVERYONE EXPERIENCE ASMR?
Due to the subjectivity of pleasure and relaxation, ASMR is not experienced by everyone. Some may find the close personal attention from a video as off-putting or oppositely stress-inducing. Moreover, many test subjects have also stated that ASMR has no effect on them: it does not relax nor stress them.
conclusion
There is still more research needed to be done on the physiological or psychological effects ASMR can have on individuals to clarify this magical phenomenon. However, this growing niche will continue to dominate the internet, aiding millions in sleep and relaxation.
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