ASMR really helps stress? An expert psychology explains the evidence

Most of us have experienced stinging or “gooseberries” at some point, especially when we feel a strong positive feeling such as awe or enthusiasm.

But some people have this answer when they hear some sounds. Online video They have the sounds of the whispering people, broken packages and brushing or hairstyle of a microphone are all oriented to making you feel this positive sting – the autonomous sensory reaction of meridian or ASMR.

Not everyone responds to ASMR content. But many who say they make them less anxious and helps them sleep. What does science say?

What is ASMR?

ASMR is an unintentional emotional and physical reaction, usually in a sound, causing a reflective sense of stinging On the scalp and on the back of the neck.

This multi -sensory experience can make us feel Euphoria and “psychological stability”, which means that we experience less internal turmoil and feel calmer.

However, we still do not have much information on what is happening in the brain and body when this happens.

Some support that ASMR is just an example horror (French for “Shiver”). This happens when an intense emotional stimulus – like a tender moment in a movie – activates the stinging or gives us “chills”.

Investigations indicate These so -called “skin orgasms” are due to a sudden rush of chemical dopamine to the reward centers of the brain.

However, the sense of awe or inspiration that feels during a frisson experience is short (usually 4-5 seconds). On the contrary, ASMR is is usually described as causing a constant state of rest.

What does ASMR activate?

Almost all will jump off their skins If they experience a sudden and loud sound. This is because we have evolved to be afraid of what is unpleasant or unexpected, to keep us safe from the danger.

When it comes to sounds that can make us feel good, it is not so easy to confirm if there are universal actuators – that is, sounds that will make most people have the same positive reaction.

ASMR survey has identified some common triggers, including whispering, hitting and broken sounds. But we cannot say if these sounds will have the same effect on everyone.

ASMR videos often combination These video sounds and a role known as “personal attention”. This means that you treat the camera such as the viewer, speech and interaction directly with it, and even simulating activities such as hair brushing or makeup to the viewer.

Why doesn’t everyone affect everyone?

Everyone does not respond to ASMR activators, with some estimates By proposing only one in five people can experience ASMR.

Whether you do it or not most likely due In your personality type and predisposition to sensitivity, which means how easily others can affect you.

Studies I found Those who respond are usually younger, experience more negative emotions and are more introverted and critical. But they also tend to be more open to trying new things.

Some research He has proposed that “expectation results” could play a role. This is like a placebo – people who are invested in ASMR’s potential as a therapeutic tool may be more likely to feel its effects.

However, we still do not know exactly how ASMR works to cause positive emotions.

Have more than twelve studies referenced about how the brain behaves During ASMR. But the findings in them are inconsistent and many have a very small number of participants or no comparison group, so we cannot reach conclusions.

Studies considering body response during ASMR experiences had similar mixed results. Some I found People can experience increased sweating (associated with stress response) and a reduced heart rate (linked to relaxation).

To describe this obviously contradictory state, some researchers have created the term “relaxation it causes”.

Other theory It is that the social or erotic aspects of ASMR videos are a more important trigger than sounds or other stimuli – basically, that it is a kind of sexual arousal. But we would need more information about it.

The bottom line

Without being able to identify universal activations, it is also difficult to apply ASMR as a tool based on proof of treatment. To date, there are no clinical trials linking ASMR to short or long -term therapeutic effects.

However, many people in the “whisper community” – those who produce and consume ASMR online content – claim that ASMR helps them to relax, sleep better and reduce stress.

So there is no damage to ASMR if it helps you relax. But we would need more research to determine if it is effective as clinical intervention for stress, insomnia or other conditions.