Have you heard about one of the hottest sensations in sleep? Do you know what has over 5 million people tuning in to watch a person eating pickles? The answer may surprise you.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is one of the latest trends in sleep techniques that's helping people rest a little easier. In the same vein as mindfulness and meditation, many have been raving about how ASMR can help offer therapeutic benefits and improve quality of sleep.
What is ASMR?
ASMR is defined as a “… sensory phenomenon, in which individuals experience a tingling, static-like sensation..." that results in a relaxing mood or sense of well-being. Described as a brain tingle or chills up the spine, these personalized experiences can provide comfort to the listener. The most popular varieties include: whispering, personal attention, crisp sounds and slow movements. These trigger types are either visual or auditory stimuli and are designed to elicit a response from the listener. With so many kinds to choose from, there's an ASMR relaxation video for every sleeper.
Still not convinced? Here are three reasons to lend ASMR an ear:
ASMR, Sleep and YOU!
Wind Down your Mind
Free your mind and the rest will follow. ?
Some of the most effective nighttime routines start with creating a relaxed sleep environment. Listening to the right ASMR video may be just what you need to de-stress after a long day. According to ASMR research, the trend has been credited with giving listeners feelings of euphoria and providing temporary relief for chronic pain and anxiety sufferers.
Stay Asleep
For some sleepers, ASMR may be the key to not only falling asleep but also staying asleep. According to results from a 2018 sleep study, the average American gets less than 7 hours of sleep a night! It can be tough to stay asleep when you toss, turn and wake up in the middle of the night. Powering down your brain before bedtime will make it easier to drift off and keep you asleep longer. Finding the right ASMR clip may lull you to sleep and keep you dozing for an extended period, increasing the quality of your rest.
But don't forget to rest your eyes too. Avoiding the blue light from your phone for 30 minutes to an hour before bed can also help you get better sleep at night!
Wake up Well-Rested
When it comes to testing the success of ASMR, sleeping is believing. In a study on the use of ASMR, 81% of users consume ASMR media before bedtime, making it the most common time for engagement. With the top ASMR video on YouTube racking up over 20 million views, it's clear we're experiencing a cultural phenomenon too!
Thinking through the complexities of sleep habits, the effects of ASMR on sleep are subjective and can depend on the individual. But, considering the potential for success, we recommend sitting down and giving an ASMR video a listen before bed. Don't knock it until you try it!
Avoiding another sleepless night? No matter what sleep method you're using, it's hard to get a good night's rest on the wrong mattress. If your sleep is struggling, make your way to your nearest Mattress Firm or shop online at MattressFirm.com and find the bed of your dreams!
