English researchers suggest that the "brain orgasm" ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) "could treat depression and sleep deprivation.
The sound of tapping and scratching on wood, hair brushing with a comb, gentle whispering in the microphone - ASMR videos have been populating a special niche on YouTube and other portals for years. The fact that the so-called "brain orgasm" also has tangible physiological and psychological effects, has now investigated by researchers from the English Sheffield University. This is reported by Technology Review in its online edition.
Examination of the ASMR effect
Various audio-visual stimuli can produce ASMR - "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response", a pleasant tingling sensation that begins on the scalp and spreads over the neck and moves down further into the body. The trigger and susceptibility to the phenomenon can be different for each person. ASMR videos spread as a trend on YouTube since 2010, with many users claiming that the feeling is relaxing and helps them fall asleep, for example.
A group of researchers led by psychologist Giulia Poerio of Sheffield University has determined in two studies with up to 1000 participants whether ASMR actually occurs consistently and whether it has measurable physiological and psychological effects.
They monitored the heart rate and electrodermal frequency of viewers watching ASMR videos. When ASMR appeared, participants were calmer, more relaxed, and at the same time more active and alert. The electrodermal activity was higher, while the heart rate was lower by more than three beats per minute.
This is comparable or even more effective than other established therapies for mental illness, the researchers wrote. They hope that these results will finally get ASMR research rolling. Stimulation with ASMR videos could one day be targeted as a recognized treatment for depression and sleep deprivation.
If you're new to ASMR and would like to try it out, you can search for it by typing ASMR into Google or YouTube. I also made some videos on my YouTube channel: ASMR Husky
