ASMR triggers physiological responses like lowered heart rates and increased skin conductance.
Different brain areas are activated during ASMR, indicating a mix of emotions and sensory responses.
Deep dives
Discovering ASMR: A Relaxing Sensation
ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a trending phenomenon where people experience tingling sensations by watching videos of whispering or soothing sounds. Mike, initially skeptical, found himself relaxed and ultimately fell asleep watching an ASMR video, leading to improved sleep quality. Many individuals reported feeling relaxed, happy, and even helped with sadness or anxiety when exposed to ASMR videos. ASMR has become mainstream, with billions of views on related YouTube content and even utilized in advertisements and public service announcements.
ASMR Studies: A Peek Inside the Brain
Researchers like Julia explored the physiological effects of ASMR, showing that tinglers experienced lowered heart rates while watching ASMR videos, unlike non-tinglers. Skin conductance measurements revealed increased sweating, indicating an unusual mix of relaxation and physiological arousal. Brain scans conducted by Bryson and colleagues identified specific brain areas activated during ASMR, such as the nucleus accumbens and somatosensory cortex, suggesting a complex interplay of emotions and sensory responses.
ASMR Sensitivity and Mysteries Unfolded
Individuals' tolerance for ASMR varies, with some experiencing intense pleasure, relaxation, or even annoyance. Tinglers, more sensitive to environmental stimuli, may be more likely to enjoy ASMR content due to the brain's affiliative response to perceived caring interactions. Research indicates that tinglers may be predisposed to sensitivity and experiences like misophonia, highlighting a unique spectrum of sensory experiences with ASMR. While questions on the therapeutic potential and desensitization effects of ASMR remain, exploring various ASMR videos can help ascertain personal responses to this sensory phenomenon.
ASMR is huge. People say these videos of someone whispering or making soft sounds can make them feel all tingly inside, and even help them feel calm and less anxious. So, what’s going on here? We talk to scientists who have looked into what’s happening in our bodies and brains when we experience an “autonomous sensory meridian response.” You’ll hear from Dr. Giulia Poerio, Dr. Bryson Lochte and Professor Craig Richard — as well as ASMR artist Mike Bryant - aka The Velvet Whisperer.
Craig Richard has a podcast called "Sleep Whispers" if you want to check it out: https://www.silkpodcasts.com/
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn, with help from Courtney Gilbert, Wendy Zukerman, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Ekedi Fausther-Keeys. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music Written by So Wylie, Bumi Hidaka, Bobby Lord and Peter Leonard. Thanks to the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr. Damiaan Denys, Dr. Phil Gander and Matt Frank. And thanks to Nolwazi Nene, the Zukerman family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.