Skip to content
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart

    Collections

    • Sleep Masks
    • Mask Accessories
    • Sleep Aids
    • Bundles
    • Compare All Masks
    Shop All Products >

    Popular products

    SOUND Mask

    PRO Mask

    SILK Mask

    Original Mask

    WEIGHTED Mask

    COOL Mask

    Get 10% off
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart
Your Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep
order total: $0 USD
View Cart Checkout
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep

why shop manta sleep

Try risk free for 60 days

USA shipping (free)

International shipping

  • SHOP
      sleep masks mask accessories other sleep aids bundles
      Manta SLEEP mask SOUND Manta SLEEP mask PRO Manta SLEEP mask SILK Manta SLEEP mask Manta SLIM mask Manta WEIGHTED mask Manta COOL mask Manta STEAM mask Manta SLEEP mask GLOW Manta SLEEP mask KIDS
      ORIGINAL eye cups COOL eye cups STEAM eye cups SILK eye cups ORIGINAL head strap WEIGHTED head strap SLIM head strap SILK head strap AROMA sachet refills AROMA dots variety AROMA dots bergamot AROMA dots eucalyptus AROMA dots lavender
      travel pillow blue light glasses blackout sticker earplugs nose vents
      the bestseller bundle silk, steam & ice SOUND+ deep sleep bundle
      the most comfortable Bluetooth® sleep mask in existence
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      MAXIMUM AIRFLOW
      20HR+ BATTERY LIFE
      SIDE-SLEEP COMFORT
      the world's most advanced sleep mask
      ENGINEERED FOR SIDE SLEEPERS
      ADVANCED MATERIAL SCIENCE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      same as the original mask - but with anti-aging silk
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      the original Manta Mask - 100% blackout & zero pressure
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      COMFY & DURABLE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      same as the original mask - but with a slim head strap
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      100% BLACKOUT
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      calming & gentle pressure on your face
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      100% BLACKOUT
      STREAMLINED DESIGN
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      cold therapy for migraines & allergies
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED COOLING
      steamy heat to soothe sinuses & dry eyes
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      POWERED BY 100% NATURAL STEAM
      the comfiest, 100% blackout sleep mask that’s easy to find in the dark
      EASY TO FIND TO FIND IN THE DARK
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      the world’s comfiest sleep mask for kids
      FOR KIDS AGED 6+
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      made for any Manta Mask
      100% BLACKOUT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, TAPERED FOAM
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      migraines & allergies & puffy eyes
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      dry/irritated eyes & sinus pressure & eye strain
      ALLEVIATES STRESS AND DRY EYES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      fine lines/wrinkles & refreshing skin cells
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for any Manta Mask
      ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      COMFY & BREATHABLE
      SNAG-FREE MATERIALS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      anxiety & insomnia & tension headaches
      IMPROVES SLEEP AND MOOD
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      sensitive ears & side sleep & minimalists
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      SLEEK, BARELY-THERE FEEL
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      aging skin & coarse/breakable hair & sensitive skin
      PROTECTS SKIN AND HAIR
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      OPTIMAL COMFORT & DURABILITY
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for Manta AROMA
      100% PURE, AAA-GRADE LAVENDER
      NATURAL SCENT — NO ADDED OILS
      INDIVIDUALLY SEALED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS
      INCLUDES 4 AROMA SACHETS (LASTS ~12 MONTHS)
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
      MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
      3 RELAXING SCENTS
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CALMS YOU & CLEARS YOUR AIRWAYS
      MADE WITH BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CLEARS SINUSES & EASES BREATHING
      MADE WITH EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX AND UNWIND
      MADE WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      4 RELAXING POSITIONS
      2-BREATH, FAST-INFLATE
      LUXURIOUS FEEL
      EASILY PORTABLE
      BLOCK HARMFUL BLUE LIGHT EMISSION FROM SCREENS
      COMFORTABLE, CUSTOMIZABLE FIT
      STYLISH DESIGN FOR ALL FACES
      ADJUSTABLE, SOFT NOSE PADS
      100% LIGHT BLOCKING
      REUSABLE APPLICATION
      NO INTERFERENCE
      100 PRE-CUT STICKERS
      ERGONOMIC DESIGN
      TOP-RATED NOISE BLOCKING
      SUPER SOFT FOAM
      MULTIPURPOSE EARPLUGS
      TWO CONVENIENT SIZES
      MEDICAL-GRADE MATERIALS
      REUSABLE
      TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
      1 MASK FOR SIDE-SLEEPING
      1 MASK TO SOOTHE EYES AND SINUSES
      1 MASK FOR GENTLE, THERAPEUTIC PRESSURE
      GUARANTEED BETTER SLUMBER
      SOOTHES EYE & SINUSES
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      ALLEVIATES STRESS & DRY EYES
      100% BLACKOUT
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
    Shop All Products > Compare All Masks >
  • Reviews
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Get 10% Off
Search
  • Sleep masks
  • Bundles
  • Other sleep aids

What Is ASMR — and Can It Help You Sleep?

What Is ASMR — and Can It Help You Sleep?

Picture this: it’s late, and you can’t sleep. Just for fun, you type “ASMR Sleep Videos” into YouTube’s search bar. 


Before you know it, you’re scrolling through a seemingly endless supply of bizarre videos.


There’s a video of a lady scratching her very long nails on various surfaces…for over an hour. Videos of people roleplaying mundane office visits in whispered voices. And videos of people softly brushing a microphone with different objects. 


Some of the videos are soothing, others terribly annoying… but all of them make you wonder: what is this “ASMR” business — and does it actually work?


Let’s find out.


What Is ASMR — and What Is It For?

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: the condition of feeling pleasant and relaxing “tingles” in your brain when exposed to specific light and sound stimuli. 


The term “ASMR” was coined in 2010 (1) as a way to help a growing community of people express how they felt while watching certain sensory videos. The ASMR community (people who identify as experiencing ASMR) has since grown exponentially — and ASMR artists have created millions of videos meant to stimulate this relaxing sensation. 


ASMR videos are intended to promote relaxation and calm — and viewers use them to cope with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain and insomnia.

Common themes of ASMR include soft sounds (like brushing soft fabrics over a microphone).

Since people who experience ASMR often respond to different stimuli, there are many types of videos to choose from. Common themes include:


  1. Crunchy or crinkly sounds (like folding paper or scratching various surfaces)
  2. Soft sounds (like brushing soft fabrics over a microphone)
  3. Whispering (often these videos include whispered affirmations)
  4. Roleplaying (like a facial, salon visit, or routine checkup)


People unfamiliar with ASMR sometimes worry that these videos are intended to be sexually arousing, but that’s not the case. ASMR artist, Maria of GentleWhispering, said in a Vogue interview: “It’s not a sexual feeling at all. If you experience the actual sensation, you will recognize that it’s never arousing. It’s sedating. (2)”


How Does ASMR Work?

So what causes the relaxing feelings brought on by ASMR? 


There’s no one accepted explanation as to why some people feel a tingling, relaxing sensation in response to certain stimuli — but there are a couple of popular theories.


One theory is that ASMR often mimics very nurturing, intimate environments (e.g., a trip to the spa) that are associated with a soothing sense of connection (1). 


Another theory is that ASMR is similar to a neurological condition known as “synesthesia.” In this condition, a “slight rewiring in the brain” leads to small differences in sensory association (1). 


For example, some people with synesthesia “see” numbers in colors or can “taste” shapes. In the latter example, the areas of the brain associated with taste are triggered when a shape is registered. 


While no official studies have confirmed this, many have reasoned that synesthesia-like sensory signaling mixups are one of the drivers of ASMR.


Can ASMR Videos Help You Sleep?

Because the sensations triggered by ASMR are deeply relaxing, it’s no surprise that many people use ASMR videos to fall asleep.


Generally, people either watch them during their bedtime routine to relax before bed, or fall asleep while listening to them. To facilitate that, ASMR videos are typically long — some last over an hour. 


And according to science, using ASMR to relax and fall asleep flat-out works:


Recently, researchers at the University of Sheffield conducted a study to better understand the effects of watching ASMR videos (3).

Dr. Poerio, of the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology, said: “Our studies show that ASMR videos do indeed have the relaxing effect anecdotally reported by experiencers – but only in people who experience the feeling. This was reflected in ASMR participants’ self-reported feelings and objective reductions in their heart rates compared to non-ASMR participants.”


There’s every indication that ASMR is effective for inducing relaxation — and sleep — if you’re able to experience the sensations ASMR triggers.


Unfortunately, not everyone experiences ASMR. Though research has not identified how to predict who has this condition and why, it only seems to affect certain people. 


The good news: even if you don’t feel an actual tingling sensation when watching ASMR stimuli, watching the videos can still be very relaxing.

ASMR videos do indeed have the relaxing effect anecdotally reported by experiencers – but only in people who experience the feeling.

Is ASMR for You?

Not sure if you ASMR can help you sleep? There’s an easy way to find out: go watch a few videos and see for yourself.


Try watching a few different varieties, both with and without talking, as you may respond only to certain stimuli. 


If you find them relaxing, try incorporating them into your bedtime routine by watching a video or two at the end of the day as a way of conditioning your body to enter relaxation mode — or play a long video as you get into bed and fall asleep to the sound of nails scratching vinyl. 


Have you tried ASMR? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.


Sources:

(1) Copeland, Libby. “How Researchers Are Beginning to Gently Probe the Science Behind ASMR." Smithsonian.com, 16 Mar. 2017, www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/researchers-begin-gently-probe-science-behind-asmr-180962550/

(2) Miller, Jenni. “WHISPERING ON THE INTERNET IS PAYING THIS WOMAN'S RENT." Cosmopolitan, 8 Jun. 2015, www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a40025/gentlewhispering-maria-internets-most-fascinating/

(3) “Brain tingles: First study of its kind reveals physiological benefits of ASMR.” The University of Sheffield, 20 Jun. 2018, www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/asmr-health-psychological-benefits-1.787541


You might have heard of ASMR.

But what does it have to do with sleep?

#sleep #sleepingtips #mantasleep

CLICK TO TWEET

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.

Main Menu

  • Home
  • SHOP
  • About
  • Faq
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Products

  • Sleep Masks
  • Eye Cups & Head Straps
  • Other Sleep Aids
  • Bundles

Other Info

  • Shipping
  • Return & Warranty
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Program

become a manta-holic & get 10% off your first order!

JOIN MANTA CLUB

© Manta Sleep . All Rights Reserved.

Close