The ASMR genre has taken off in recent years. It is especially good at helping people relax, putting negative thoughts out of their minds. Because of this, for many people listening to ASMR has become a night-time ritual. Here are some of the most relaxing sounds and tips for making them at home.
Does ASMR Promote Sleep?
Let’s start by answering an important question. Does ASMR help to promote sleep? Interestingly, this question has been the subject of multiple academic reviews. They were focused on observing the way that people reacted when exposed to ASMR.
For example, this study from the University of Sheffield found that people who watched ASMR videos had become more relaxed. This produced a physiological response, causing them to lower their heart rate. As a result, people who watched ASMR at night would find it easier to drift off to sleep.
However, the benefits of ASMR went even deeper than this. The reduction in stress levels was found to have mental health benefits. It lowers the risk of anxiety and depression. It may also help to lower the risk of other diseases. For example, the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Best ASMR Sounds to Help You Sleep
There are dozens of options to explore if you want to use ASMR to help you get to sleep. Here are some of the most popular options.
Blowing
This noise replicates the sound of a gentle breeze. It can be a good form of white noise, giving you something gentle to focus on, blocking out any worries.
Scratching
This is a more controversial sound. Some people find it to be relaxing. For others, though, it can make them a little uncomfortable.
Humming
This is another divisive part of the ASMR world. Some people find humming to be quite relaxing. The repetitive tones can give their brain something to focus on, reducing their anxiety. However, for others, this type of sound can quickly become an annoyance.
Whispering
This is one of the most popular traits of ASMR. It can help to have someone talk slowly and calmly. You can focus on their words, forming a meditative-type state. This is the most common sound in the world of ASMR. There are dozens of sub-genres. Some people like to read stories, others like to engage in role-playing.
Page Turning
The sounds of turning pages in a book or newspaper can be a very comforting noise. Because of this, it’s become one of the most popular sounds in the ASMR genre.
Raindrops
Listening to drops of water hitting the ground can be a good way of getting into a relaxing mood.
Eating
This has become one of the most popular ASMR sub-genres. It connects with other video types, most notably the mukbang. However, this is another genre that will suit some people, while turning off others.
This list is only a starting point. This article has even more sounds that you can explore. Plus, this is a genre that has become known for its experimentation. There are dozens of artists trying out new types of sounds, like playing with jelly.
Finding the Right ASMR Sound for You
ASMR is often a very personal experience. What works perfectly for one person will be unpleasant for another. Because of this, you might need to experiment a little to see what sounds help you relax and get to sleep and which ones won’t.
If you are new to the world of ASMR, it’s important to be patient. Not all these sounds will produce feelings of relaxation. Some won’t do anything at all. It might take you a few tries to get the right ones for you.
Using ASMR to Go to Sleep
There are a few ways that you can use ASMR for sleep. Here are some of the tips you can use. First, you need to make sure that you are in a comfortable position. For some people, this might mean lying with their heads on the pillow. For others, it can be sitting on the floor.
The next thing is to use ASMR as a type of meditation. Focus on the words or sounds that you are hearing, rather than any worries that might be keeping you awake. If you feel your mind going to stressors, gently bring it back to the noise. This is a difficult process at first. But the more you practice, the easier it will become.
Some people like to listen to ASMR all night. This can be a good way of blocking out unpleasant noises, like your partner snoring or traffic outside. In this case, you can either play it over the speaker. Or you can use a headband, with speakers built into it. You don’t want to use headphones, as these can dig into your ears.
You should also check out SleepPhones. SleepPhones were designed to sit over the ear making them comfortable for all uses and are great even for side sleepers.
Making Your Own ASMR Sounds for Sleep Music
The best thing about ASMR is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to start creating it. All you need is a microphone, a Midi controller, and a good editing program. When you make your own music, you’ll be able to tailor it to suit your tastes. Here are some tips you can use to get started.
The first thing that you need to do is decide what type of ASMR you are going to make. This is a broad genre, with plenty of avenues for you to explore. The best way to find what interests you, head online and watch a few YouTube videos. This blog post talks about some of the biggest ASMR content creators and the type of videos they produce.
If you are planning on making this commercially, you will need to put in a little extra work. This is a crowded market, with a lot of established creators. Because of this, you will need to find a way of making sure that your content is standing out. This will require a little extra creativity. For example, some people make ASMR that links to their culture. Or you can create a unique character or invent a new type of ASMR experience.
Microphone
This is one of the most important tools that you have at your disposal, so it’s important to make sure that you are getting the right one. One of the most important qualities to look for is the sensitivity of the microphone.
This will determine how good it is at picking up quiet noises. You can check this value in product specifications. The closer it is to zero, the more sensitive the microphone is. You might also want to add a pop filter. This protects against loud noises, like the plosive letter ‘p’.
Finally, you should think about the room that you are recording in. Try to block out as much background noise as you can. This is especially important when you are working with a sensitive microphone. Here is a list of the best ASMR microphones that you can take a look at.
Midi Controller
The next tool that you need to use is a Midi controller. This is one of the most versatile instruments available. There are many ways that you can use it. You can use it to play sounds. It can be used to replicate most musical instruments.
For example, you might like to set it up so it sounds like a jewelry box. This is a great choice for people who are struggling to sleep. It will remind them of childhood memories when times were simpler. The brain is trained to recognize patterns, so you don’t want to create a melody that is too complex.
It can also be used during the editing process. You can use it to easily remove or re-order sounds. The good news is that these keyboards are easy to use. It is easy to connect them with your laptop. From there, you will be able to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to process your music.
As long as you have the basic software, the possibilities are endless. If it sounds like this tool could benefit you, check out this 49 key midi controller guide so you know what to look for shopping.
Other Tips for Making ASMR Content
Hopefully, you now have a basic idea of how you can make ASMR content. But there are a few other things to bear in mind to help you have success in this area. First, never be afraid to experiment. Try new types of sounds. You can use a new way of recording them.
It’s important to make sure that you are listening to the viewer’s feedback. This is one of the best ways to find what you are doing right. They will also help to point out anything that you are doing wrong and offer some tips to help you improve in the future.
Conclusion – Finding your ASMR Sounds for Sleep
ASMR is one of the best ways to help people who are struggling to get to sleep. You don’t need a lot of equipment to start producing these sounds. So, use your imagination to find some unique items and translate their sounds into a relaxing ASMR video.