I’ve been practising ASMR for a couple of years now, and my personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Like the studies I’ll share in this blog, ASMR often triggers a delightful tingling in my brain and almost always induces a relaxation response when I’m enjoying the right triggers. It has a unique way of focusing my attention, especially during personal attention videos like the medical or doctor-style ones. These videos often give me a child-like sense of comfort that comes with someone being attentive to you—a feeling I now recognise from real-life ASMR moments as a child during visits to the doctor, optician, or dentist.
Reflecting on this connection has been fascinating, especially since my autobiographical memory isn’t the best, yet these sensations are vivid. ASMR has become an integral part of my night-time routine, helping me unwind and relax. However, there are times when it can feel overstimulating or distracting, making it necessary to switch it off or take a break. The tingling effect, or “tingles”, can also lose its potency with repetition, so I’ve found it helpful to mix things up occasionally.
Having personally experienced the benefits of ASMR, I often wonder about its potential as a therapeutic tool—not just for relaxation and reducing overthinking at bedtime, but possibly even as a gateway to hypnosis. In this post, I’ll explore what science says about ASMR and its intriguing possibilities.
How ASMR Works: A Mindful Experience?
ASMR could be considered a form of mindfulness-meditation. If you enjoy it, you’ll notice how it draws your focus to present sensations, such as soothing sounds and gentle movements. This focus on the “now” can quiet mental chatter and promote relaxation—much like mindfulness exercises. Studies support this idea, showing that ASMR is linked to increased relaxation and mood improvement.
One study explored whether ASMR could improve mood and reduce arousal in people with and without insomnia or depression. The results were promising: participants across the board experienced increased relaxation and better mood after watching ASMR videos, with the strongest effects observed in those who experienced ASMR or had depression symptoms. However, the study found no significant difference between the insomnia and control groups, suggesting the benefits might vary based on individual responses.
(Study link: Journal of Affective Disorders)
Is ASMR Acting on Our Reward Pathways?
Reward pathways in the brain are fascinating—they’re the systems responsible for reinforcing behaviours that make us feel good, encouraging us to repeat them. These pathways release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Could ASMR stimulate these reward systems?
Personal attention ASMR, such as roleplays involving close care or nurturing, might mimic real-life experiences of intimacy and social bonding. These videos may trigger a sense of safety and comfort, tapping into our innate need for connection. While ASMR can’t replace real social interactions, it might help fill a gap for those who feel isolated, offering a sense of care that feels personal and soothing.
Interestingly, studies show that ASMR triggers brain regions associated with reward and emotional arousal, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and insula. These are the same areas activated during musical frisson—a pleasurable shiver you might feel when listening to music you love—or other affiliative behaviours.
(Study link: NeuroImage)
The video linked below is timestamped to delve into the neurological effects of ‘frisson’.
Can ASMR Be a Gateway to Hypnosis?
ASMR shares some common ground with hypnosis, particularly in its ability to foster relaxation, focus, and emotional engagement. In clinical hypnosis, an individual must be deeply relaxed, focused, and open to suggestions offered by the hypnotherapist. Could ASMR, under the right circumstances, serve as an induction method for hypnosis?
EEG studies reveal distinct brain activity patterns during ASMR experiences, particularly in regions associated with emotional processing and sensory integration. Physiological data also show decreased heart rates and increased skin conductance—indicators of relaxation and heightened attention. Additionally, reduced activity in the brain’s salience network during ASMR suggests a shift in attention that aligns with feelings of relaxation and flow.
These findings hint that ASMR could help individuals practise achieving a deeply relaxed and focused mental state, which is essential for hypnosis. While more research is needed, the potential is certainly intriguing.
(Study links: PeerJ | Royal Society)
Things to Consider
Preference Matters
ASMR’s effectiveness depends largely on individual preferences. Studies show that brain regions linked to emotion (e.g., the amygdala and insular cortex) activate only when watching ASMR videos you actually enjoy. This suggests that tailoring ASMR to personal preferences could enhance its therapeutic benefits, making it a valuable tool for mental health care.
(Study link: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)
Auditory vs. Audiovisual Stimulation
There’s a fascinating difference between auditory-only and audiovisual ASMR. While both trigger relaxation, they activate distinct brain regions. Audiovisual stimulation lights up areas like the middle frontal gyrus and nucleus accumbens, whereas auditory-only ASMR activates the insular cortex. This variation could mean that the type of stimulation affects the mental health benefits experienced.
(Study link: Frontiers in Neuroscience)
Conclusion: The Therapeutic Potential of ASMR
ASMR holds promising potential as a tool for relaxation, mindfulness, and possibly even hypnosis. Its ability to tap into reward pathways, promote emotional connection, and induce a flow state makes it a fascinating subject for further exploration. However, individual preferences and responses play a critical role in its effectiveness. Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind before bed or considering it as part of a therapeutic routine, ASMR offers a unique blend of science and sensation worth exploring.
Some of My Favourite ASMR Videos
Here are some of my favourite ASMR videos that I keep returning to for relaxation and comfort. Feel free to explore and find what resonates with you—ASMR is all about personal preferences!
Remember to wear headphones!
Personal Attention
ASMR Sleep Clinic | whispers, typing, medical exam
👀 Eye exam and Frames Fitting 👓 ASMR
Cleaning Deep Inside Your Ears ASMR
Tapping, scratching, mic brushing
ASMR | slow “Tk” Sounds & gentle Tapping – clicky, Rain, no Talking
ASMR | Tapping, Scratching, & Whispers 💜 (for tingles and sleep)
ASMR Getting All Up In Your Ears (mic brushing & scratching, comforting words)
ASMR Reiki
ASMR Reiki | Sacral Chakra Healing & Affirmations (Awakening creative energy & sacred sexuality)
🔮Removing Other People’s Energy 🧿 ASMR Reiki Deep Energy Cleanse
ASMR I Affirmations and Hypnosis
ASMR Hypnosis 🌀 Affirmations While You Sleep | (slow hand movements, layered visuals, whispers)
ASMR for Insomnia: 8 hours of Naturally Deep Sleep *REAL Hypnosis* Music Edit (Whisper)