ASMR MAY BE YOUR CURE FOR INSOMNIA

Bob Giusti 

Insomnia; it's enough to keep you up at night. Kidding aside, the condition is considered an epidemic (30% in US are effected) by the nation's Center for Disease Control(CDC) who site numerous side effects associated with sleep deprivation, not the least of which is nodding off while driving an automobile. There are many so called cures for the condition including the extreme of prescribed medications. But I'm here to tell you about a way (drug-less and free of charge) to have a whispering woman (or in some cases male) woo you to relaxation and sleep. It's a cult phenomenon called ASMR.  

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ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, a relatively new description coined to coincide with research in its infancy. And it will be difficult to measure, as different people experience ASMR in unique ways. Essentially the effect can be described as a tingling sensation in different areas (commonly scalp,arms,legs) and though some use the term "brain orgasm" there is nothing sexual about the sensation.

Basically, it's the feeling one might get while passively watching some Home Shopping host go on endlessly about watches or pieces of jewelry and you somehow feel lulled into sleep because of the light cadence and tone that almost hypnotizes. Two celebrities that are often sighted by people who recall an ASMR like sensation are Mr. Rogers and the late painter Bob Ross.  These PBS performers shared a soft gentle delivery and a totally non threatening demeanor as they both taught. Other people get a sensation when long fingernails gently scratch their arm. If any of these examples seem familiar, then chances are you have experienced ASMR.

You can really experiment by searching ASMR on YouTube and discovering ASMR artists (as they like to be referred) who dedicate themselves to making videos that help induce the relaxing sensation. They come from different parts of the world, but the methodology is played out in common themes; role play (caretaker,librarian etc.), textured sounds and of course whisperers. 

They have names like The One Lilium, Heather Feather and one of the more popular artists; Russian immigrant Maria who goes by the moniker Gentle Whispering. Maria has been making relaxation and ASMR videos for about three years and her subscriptions for her YouTube channel are just over 175,000 (and growing) with average views of 200 - 500 thousand for a typical video! Video lengths vary, but the artists usual try for 30 - 50 minutes on average, to give the listener a chance to relax (and hopefully) fall asleep. A growing number of ASMR presenters also use binaural microphones to enhance the audio experience when wearing ear gear.

While ASMR might not suit everyone, it is worth trying to find some artist(s) who may trigger you and sooth you away from the tossing and turning of a restless night. Maybe one day more data will reveal what the sensation can do on a biofeedback level and it may be a key to lowering the health risks of sleep deprivation. Until then, try tuning in so you can finally tune out.

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