For as long as I can remember, sleep and I have had a complicated relationship. No matter how shattered I was, my mind always found a reason to stay alert – replaying awkward teenage moments or creating imaginary to-do lists. Relaxation? That felt like the stuff of spa brochures.
Then one night a few years ago, my sister introduced me to something called ASMR videos.
At the same time, a couple of friends sent links, raving about this “whispery weirdness” they claimed was life-changing. Sceptical but desperate, I clicked play.
That’s how I found myself oddly mesmerised by the soft tap of nails on glass and the rhythmic brushing of carpet fibres.
ASMR, short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is often described as a “brain massage”. This strange-yet-soothing phenomenon has become a global sensation, creating tight-knit online communities on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
TINGLE ALL THE WAY
But what makes it so captivating? For those who experience it, ASMR triggers a peculiar tingling sensation, often starting at the scalp and trickling down the neck and spine.
Paired with a sense of calm, it’s a uniquely personal escape from the chaos of daily life.
Beyond the tingles, ASMR offers other surprising benefits. Studies suggest it reduces stress, helps with sleep, and even boosts mood. Some researchers compare it to mindfulness practices, as it draws the listener’s attention inward, fostering a meditative state of relaxation.
Think of ASMR as flipping your brain’s relaxation switch. It’s believed to activate areas tied to calm and pleasure, releasing a cocktail of feel-good chemicals: oxytocin for connection, dopamine for stress relief, and endorphins for a pinch of euphoria.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
There’s even evidence it changes brain activity, amplifying theta waves – the same ones associated with deep focus and meditation. A 2018 study revealed that ASMR activates the brain’s reward and arousal centres, much like the “chills” you get during a stirring piece of music or art.
It doesn’t stop there. ASMR can lower heart rates, increase skin sensitivity (a sign of emotional arousal), and even ease chronic pain, albeit temporarily.
Not everyone experiences ASMR, and scientists estimate that around 10-20 per cent of people do. Those who score higher in traits like openness or neuroticism are more likely to feel the tingles. However, some find it irritating or even unsettling, particularly those with sensory sensitivities like misophonia or ADHD.
If you’ve never felt that tell-tale tingle, don’t write it off just yet. ASMR is deeply personal, and finding your “trigger” might take some experimenting.
POPULAR ASMR TRIGGERS
ASMR isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, but certain triggers have widespread appeal.
Common favourites include whispered speech or soft talking; personal attention, like haircuts or facials; tapping on surfaces; and even watching focused tasks, such as painting or folding towels.
It’s not just about sound, either. Visual cues and light touch – think feathery strokes or slime squishing – also play a role. Many creators enhance the experience with binaural sound, using two microphones to mimic real-life interactions by delivering different sounds to each ear.
ASMR isn’t just an Internet fad; it taps into something primal. For many, it stirs comforting childhood memories – a parent brushing their hair, the soothing cadence of a bedtime story, or the hum of distant rain.
Digital communities have also formed around ASMR, offering connection and validation to those who once felt their sensations were strange or taboo. While some still view it with scepticism, its popularity suggests it resonates deeply with a stressed-out world seeking solace.
DOES IT REALLY HELP?
Although it’s not a clinical therapy, millions of people swear by ASMR to ease anxiety, improve focus, and aid sleep. Some even find it helps manage pain or boost mood. Unlike medications, it’s accessible, side-effect free, and easily integrated into daily routines. The Internet is brimming with free ASMR content, ranging from soothing whispers to elaborate roleplays. Quality can vary, so finding a creator whose style resonates with you might take a bit of exploration.
ASMR might not work for everyone, but for those it touches, it can be transformative.
Whether it’s a soft whisper, the clink of a teacup, or the crinkle of paper, these tiny moments can spark profound calm.
As science continues to unravel its mysteries, ASMR is already proving to be more than just a quirky trend – it’s a gateway to relaxation, connection, and a gentler pace of life.
So, why not give it a go? A world of tingles awaits. – Izah Azahari
