Youth Talk

For the uninitiated, a video close up of a person tapping away at a smooth surface, or whispering close into a microphone can seem quite weird at first, but for an ASMR enthusiast like myself, it signifies the start of a restful and dreamless sleep.

ASMR, acronym for autonomous sensory meridian response, is a sensory experience where one feels static-like or tingly sensations across the skin in response to mostly auditory but also visual stimuli.

These stimuli, known in the world of ASMR as ‘triggers’, include, to name a few: tapping and or scratching on various smooth and textured surfaces, crinkling of plastics and other materials, or hand movements across the screen.

ASMR starts from the scalp, travels down to the neck and upper spine and promotes deep relaxation and sleep, which is what it is primarily used for. However, ASMR can also be used to provide white noise in the background while you study or work. 

However, not all people experience ASMR equally, some may get it more than others and others still may not get it at all! That’s not to say none can benefit from it calming effects.

While some content creators produce ASMR videos as a side project, many have turned it into full-fledged careers, making a whole professional production out of it, investing much time and money into the process. It’s not in vain, for ASMR content has garnered a lot of popularity in recent years with some ASMRtists, as they call themselves, with as many as a million followers!

Although not everyone’s cup of tea, ASMR videos have proved quite helpful for those suffering with depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Next time you find yourself in need of some winding down give ASMR videos a go and it might just come to your rescue!