Having Trouble Sleeping? These Weird Youtube Videos Might Help.
Trouble sleeping? Having a hard time winding down? Worries keeping you up at night? What if I told you that watching videos of people brushing hair, giving pretend eye exams and crinkling wrappers into your ear could help you relax?
In fact, there is a booming online community of people who find relaxation and pleasure in these most peculiar videos. And believe it or not, this community is not a small one. With millions of followers, these videos have become a worldwide phenomenon, sought after for the elusive Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR for short.
The ASMR Phenomenon: How It Works
If you have ever felt a tingling sensation down your spine when someone whispers in your ear, or when you hear the sound of a soft brush against your skin, then you might have experienced ASMR. It's a fancy way of saying that some people experience a pleasant tingling sensation when they hear certain sounds or receive certain types of stimuli. In this fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are a common occurrence, people are turning to unconventional methods to unwind, and the popularity of ASMR videos is proof of that.
Some people experience ASMR when they listen to soft whispers, or when they hear the sound of a brush against their skin. Others feel it when they watch someone perform a task with intense focus, like folding laundry or arranging objects on a desk. It's a really unique and personal experience that varies from person to person. And some experiences are more unique than others. If you choose to venture deeper down this ASMR rabbit hole, it can even get a little weird. Some videos involve fake hairdressers meticulously picking out imaginary lice from wigs or UFO abduction roleplays or a woman loudly chewing pickles into a microphone.
ASMR and Your Health: The Surprising Benefits of Relaxation
But ASMR isn't just about tingly sensations and interesting ways to induce relaxation - it can also have some pretty amazing health benefits. Studies have shown that ASMR can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve sleep quality, and even provide relief from chronic pain. The tingling sensation that people experience during ASMR can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that promote feelings of relaxation and calm.
Better Sleep with ASMR: How It Can Help You Sleep Soundly
ASMR may also have benefits for people who struggle with sleep disorders or insomnia. Many people find that listening to ASMR videos or audio recordings can help them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep for longer periods of time. This is likely due to the calming effect that ASMR has on the body, which can help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress that can interfere with sleep.
ASMR and Hormonal Balance: Why It Matters for Your Health
Getting enough sleep is crucial for hormonal balance as it affects the production of hormones that regulate metabolism, mood, and stress. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can disrupt the balance of hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and leptin, which can lead to weight gain, mood swings, and increased stress levels. By promoting relaxation, ASMR can help regulate the production of hormones that are crucial for healthy sleep patterns, thereby improving overall hormonal balance.
The Potential of ASMR for Chronic Pain Relief
Another potential benefit of ASMR is its ability to provide relief from chronic pain. While research in this area is still limited, some studies have shown that listening to ASMR can help to reduce the perception of pain and discomfort in individuals with chronic pain conditions. This may be because the tingling sensations that ASMR induces can help to distract the mind from feelings of pain and discomfort, and promote a sense of relaxation and calm.
ASMR can also be a tool for mindfulness, helping us to stay present and focused in the moment. When we focus on the sensations of ASMR, we are able to tune out the distractions of the outside world and connect with our inner selves.
So if you're looking for a way to relax, unwind, and connect with your inner self, why not give ASMR a try? There are countless videos and audio recordings available online, covering everything from soft whispers to gentle tapping. So find a quiet spot, put on your headphones, and let the soothing sounds of ASMR wash over you!
To help you get started, I'm sharing 3 of my favourite "ASMRrtists" on Youtube with you! Check them out here:
1. A Eye Cranial Exam by Starling ASMR
2. A School Nurse Lice Check by TingTing ASMR
3. A Harry Potter Roleyplay by Moonlight Cottage ASMR
