One of my fondest childhood memories is dragging my pillow and blanket into the living room to set up camp in front of our old Magnavox TV, just in time for The Joy of Painting. While I admired Bob Ross for his painting skills, it was his soothing voice that truly captivated me. His gentle tones were like a warm embrace, sending delightful chills down my spine — the same kind you feel when someone scratches your back or plays with your hair. That’s what made nap time a breeze; I’d drift off easily, much to my mom’s relief.
Fast forward a few decades, and I’m sitting in the long, monotonous school pickup line. As I scrolled through Facebook, I stumbled upon an article about a woman named Clara who created relaxation videos. One of her clips, showcasing her folding towels into decorative shapes, caught my attention. The visuals were mundane, but her soft voice transported me back to my childhood. I felt like a child again, ready to nap to the calming sounds of Bob Ross. Instead of dozing off right there in the parking lot, I bookmarked her YouTube channel, aptly named CalmWhispers.
That night, I revisited her video and almost dropped my phone as I drifted off. But once I settled, I slept soundly, reminiscent of those peaceful afternoons with Bob Ross. Clara is just one of many ASMRtists — creators who specialize in producing content designed to elicit ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response. This phenomenon, characterized by the tingles or relaxed feelings triggered by specific sounds, has recently gained traction, although it hasn’t been thoroughly studied yet. Nevertheless, the ASMR community is thriving, with many artists crafting videos to help listeners sleep.
Clara’s towel-folding video was among her earliest creations, and she now boasts over a million subscribers, proving I’m not alone in my appreciation for this unique form of relaxation. Most ASMR videos feature soft-spoken or whispered commentary and often involve mundane activities like applying makeup or reading aloud. The goal is to create an atmosphere so calming that it lulls you to sleep. For some, the triggers are auditory, so there are also videos that focus solely on soothing sounds, like paper crinkling or gentle tapping.
There are also role-play scenarios, where you might find yourself in a spa treatment or even aboard a spaceship. The creativity is endless! I’ve even found comfort in videos in other languages. Though I don’t speak French, some of my favorites are from another ASMRtist, BelleASMR. The language barrier doesn’t matter; the calming effect remains the same. Whether it’s English, Russian, or Japanese, the results are universally soothing.
ASMR has been described as a “brain orgasm,” which is a bit misleading; it’s not sexual in nature. For me, it feels like a gentle fizzing, like champagne bubbles dancing on my scalp, leading to delightful goosebumps. Others might feel it in their shoulders or spine, while some simply enjoy a deep sense of calm without the tingles. It’s a highly subjective experience, and not everyone enjoys it — some are left baffled by the appeal.
Despite this, I decided to introduce this calming practice to my kids. To my delight, they also find comfort in the sound of whispering. Clara, affectionately dubbed “the Towel Lady,” has become a nighttime staple in our home, especially on restless evenings. Her voice serves as a comforting presence in their rooms, much like a nightlight, encouraging them to stay in their own beds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to drown out my husband’s snoring, allowing me to drift off peacefully with earbuds in.
In my exploration of this intriguing phenomenon, I came across a quote from Bob Ross during a rare interview in 1990, long before ASMR became a recognized term. He mentioned, “We’ve received letters from people who say they sleep better when the show is on.” This reinforces my belief that I’m not alone in my lifelong appreciation for ASMR. So to all you ’70s and ’80s kids who dozed off to Bob Ross, let’s whisper together!
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In summary, ASMR has become a cherished part of my life and my children’s, helping us unwind and relax at the end of the day. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering it, there’s a world of soothing content waiting for you.
Keyphrase: ASMR for sleep
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