ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a feeling of satisfying relaxation that people get from ASMR-related content. Users describe the experience as ASMR tingles. In the wave of its rising popularity, ASMR often gets pinpointed as a natural remedy for numerous conditions. Of course, as its popularity grows, so will the mountain of questions associated with it. As such, we are using this post to answer two of those queries. 1- is ASMR healthy? 2- what are the health benefits of ASMR?
Is ASMR healthy?
The simple answer is yes. ASMR is currently being used as a health aid due to its propensity to stimulate relaxation and reduce stress. Furthermore, its content frequently gets utilized by the ASMR community to combat psychological disorders. ASMR has been proven efficient for this and other purposes in several studies, as reported in this survey. So far, no evidence has been found that ASMR negatively affects our health.
What are the Benefits of ASMR?
Researchers have been studying ASMR for years. Several ASMR studies suggest that ASMR improves approximately the same number of medical conditions as it does mental. Aside from the millions of people attesting to the therapeutic benefits of ASMR, studies found that ASMR videos may have health benefits.
ASMR Lowers Heart Rates
One particular study found that watching these clips lowers heart rates and induces positive emotions for some persons. BBC reports that research conducted by the University of Sheffield looked at the physiology of those who shared that they experience ASMR. The results of their investigations indicated that while watching ASMR clips, those persons showed a 3.4 beats per minute decrease in heart rate. A lowered heart rate helps the heart to beat normally and pump more blood on each beat. Essentially, by reducing the heart rate, ASMR facilitates more efficient heart function.
ASMR Induces Sleep
Many people have difficulty sleeping for varying reasons. As such, they have turned to ASMR to help them fall asleep quickly and naturally. ASMR stimulates a sense of calm, and some describe it as almost trance-like. It is this tranquil that acts as a trigger for a night of quality rest. The American Sleep Association shared a study involving 475 participants, of which 82% used ASMR to help them sleep.
ASMR Reduces Feelings of Anxiety & Depression
A 2015 studyrevealed that ASMR is quite efficient in combating and decreasing mood-related disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Some examples are:
- Gently and rhythmically tapping surfaces like wood, metal glass.
- Whispering softly
- The sound of trickling water
- Visual triggers include folding clothes or hair brushing
Additionally, there have been reports that ASMR has also been able to relieve chronic pain when used as a form of distraction therapy.
Today we learned that ASMR is a healthy way of dealing with several conditions, and so far, it is completely safe. Even though ASMR is not for everyone, there are some evident benefits that others can derive from it; these are just a few.
References
Barratt, E. L., & Davis, N. J. (2015). Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 3, e851. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.851
BBC News. (2018, June 21). ASMR videos “may have health benefits”, study finds. BBC News; BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-44533297
Bonet, A. (2019, July 8). ASMR: what is Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response? Netdoctor; Netdoctor. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a28292107/asmr-autonomous-sensory-meridian-response/
Poerio, G. L., Blakey, E., Hostler, T. J., & Veltri, T. (2018). More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0196645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645
Raypole, C. (2020, April 6). Everything You Need to Know About Using ASMR for Anxiety. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/asmr-anxiety#not-feeling-it
Add comment