Does the idea of someone playing with your hair or turning pages gently in a book sound super relaxing?
ASMR is often associated with sleep, and with good reason.
The question is: how exactly does ASMR work?
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Whats the science behind it?
First of all, its important to understand that not everyone has a reaction to ASMR stimuli.
However, among people who react, researchers have noted that their reactions were consistent and reliable.
It’s likely that ASRM stimulates different areas of your brain, says Landrum.
From my experience, the most effective ASMR techniques for sleep vary from person to person, says Landrum.
The key is to explore and identify what resonates best with the individual.
When people experience reactions to these triggers, they usually describe it as a tingling or warm feeling.
In Dr. Wus experience, many of the most effective triggers are ones that have social elements.
Again, there are many different possible ASMR triggersand many that havent even been thought up yet.
you might check YouTube, TikTok, or any app or website that shares video content.
I recommend experimenting with different ASMR content to find what works best for you, Landrum says.
We explored various ASMR triggers, eventually discovering that whispering and soft-speaking videos most relaxed them.
Integrating these sessions into her clients nighttime routine markedly improved their sleep quality and sleep duration.
Another of Landrums clients experienced anxiety-related sleep disturbances.
ASMR worked really well for them, too.
We introduced ASMR sessions focusing on nature sounds, specifically the gentle patter of rain, Landrum says.
How exactly do you incorporate the ASMR portion into your sleep routine?
Youll also want to ensure that your sleep environment supports relaxation.
We all have different ASMR triggers or individual tastes and preferences.
So give yourself time to see what gives you the tingles.
A good nights sleep is within reach, and there are viable options for everyone.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips for Better Sleep.