When A.S.M.R first became popular on the internet, the press choice to sexualise it with descriptions such as brain-gasm within sexual language. This resulted in parents thinking it was maybe risky and weird.
Lots of teenage clients I have seen over time report using it as a relaxation resource during times of increased stress and anxiety such as exams or returning to school after prolonged periods away such as holidays or illness.
It doesn’t work for everyone, but if it does work for you it seems to be a game-changer in regards to sleep.
I don’t fully understand when watching it how it can induce sensory relaxation and if I’m honest I find the whispering very irritating, but it works for my daughter and below are a few paragraphs written by her explaining what it is and the benefits she has felt when using this valuable resource.
“ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos are something I watch every night before I go to sleep or when I’m anxious and dysregulated. I watch ASMR on YouTube, but you can also access it on the Tingles app and platforms such a Patreon.
The phenomenon ASMR, is a tingly feeling felt at the top of one’s head or sometimes down the spine.
This feeling is highly relaxing and can induce sleep very quickly. ASMR can be ‘triggered’ by sound, sight and light stimulants. Personally, visual and sight triggers work best for me; especially when the ‘ASRMtists’ (creator) is performing personal attention e.g. pretending to play with your hair, giving you a head massage, applying makeup to your face. Other people, and sometimes myself, experience ASMR through sounds that are highly sensitive, soothing, relaxing and ‘satisfying’ to the ears.
I really recommend this technique of relaxation for people who suffer from insomnia, intrusive thoughts, anxiety and restlessness as it provides a sense of comfort and a safe space in which to relax. My favourite ASMRtists I view daily and weekly are:
Gracev
Karuna Satori ASMR
mads asmr
ASMR Sharm
Jusi ASMR
Gentle Whispering ASMR
Granted, viewing ASMR can take some weeks to become accustomed to; it may feel a bit weird when you first start watching it. Although, once you have relaxed into the idea and realised how beneficial the sensation is, ASMR will be your go-to self-care tool”
For more information please see the links
https://www.vox.com/2015/7/15/8965393/asmr-video-youtube-autonomous-sensory-meridian-response
https://www.sleep.org/articles/what-is-asmr/