One of my fondest childhood recollections involves dragging my blanket and pillow into the living room to settle down in front of our large, boxy television. I was always eager to watch The Joy of Painting. It wasn’t just Bob Ross’s impressive painting skills that captivated me; it was his voice, soft and soothing, reminiscent of his fluffy hair. Hearing him speak sent delightful chills down my spine, similar to the feeling of gentle hair play or a light back scratch, and I would quickly drift off to sleep.
Naptime was usually a battle, but with Bob Ross, I welcomed it. My mother must have appreciated him as well. There was something about his calm, deliberate way of speaking and the gentle tapping of his brushes that made it impossible for my preschool self to resist. I napped better with Bob Ross as my lullaby.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I found myself stuck in a long, tedious school pickup line. While scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled upon an article about a woman named Julia who creates relaxation videos. Intrigued, I clicked on a link to one of her videos featuring a simple tutorial on folding towels into decorative shapes. While the content wasn’t particularly riveting, Julia’s soft voice transported me back in time. Suddenly, I was no longer a busy mom; I was that four-year-old again, lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of Bob Ross—except now, it was Julia’s soft accent that worked its magic.
Instead of dozing off in the school parking lot, I bookmarked her YouTube channel, aptly named GentleWhispers. Later that night, I revisited the video and, despite almost dropping my phone while I drifted off, I enjoyed a restful night’s sleep, reminiscent of those Bob Ross days.
It turns out that Julia is just one among many in a growing community known as “ASMRtists.” ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, which is a fancy way of describing the tingling or relaxed sensation some individuals experience from specific sounds or triggers. While the phenomenon has existed for quite some time, it’s only recently gained traction and a name. Although scientific research on ASMR is still limited, many ASMRtists create videos designed to help listeners relax and fall asleep.
Julia’s towel-folding video was one of her earliest creations, and she has since garnered over a million subscribers, indicating that I am far from alone in my appreciation for ASMR.
Typically, ASMR videos feature soft-spoken or whispered voices, often accompanied by mundane activities like applying makeup or reading a book. The focus isn’t on excitement but rather on creating a calming atmosphere that invites sleep. For some, triggers might be sounds rather than voices, leading to videos filled with the crinkling of paper, gentle brush strokes, or nails tapping on surfaces—there’s a whole array of options to cater to different preferences.
Additionally, ASMR creators often engage in role-play scenarios, where viewers might experience a spa treatment or even an adventure on a fictional spacecraft (yes, you read that right). There are even ASMR videos in various languages. I may not speak French, but some of my favorites come from an ASMRtist named Luna. Regardless of the language, the calming effects remain the same; whether it’s English, Russian, Japanese, or Armenian, the results are soothing.
People have described the sensation as a “brain orgasm,” a misleading term since it doesn’t carry any sexual connotations. For me, it feels like tiny bubbles dancing along my scalp, inducing goosebumps. Others might feel it in their shoulders or spine, while some experience a deep sense of tranquility without the tingling. It’s a highly subjective experience, and not everyone feels it—some are simply baffled by the enjoyment others find in it.
Nevertheless, it works wonders for me, so I thought it was worth trying with my kids. To my delight, they too enjoy the sound of whispering. Julia, whom they affectionately call “The Towel Lady,” has become our go-to on restless nights. Her calming voice helps them feel less alone, much like a nightlight, encouraging them to stay in their own beds. It’s a win-win!
Plus, ASMR videos help drown out the sound of my husband snoring, so you can find me each night with earbuds in, blissfully unaware of the snores beside me.
Interestingly, while researching this captivating phenomenon, I came across a comment from Bob Ross himself during a rare interview in 1990, long before ASMR was widely recognized. He mentioned receiving letters from viewers who said they slept better when his show was on. This confirms my long-held belief: I’m not the only one who has cherished ASMR throughout my life. To all the ‘70s and ‘80s kids who drifted off to Bob Ross—let’s connect! Or, rather, let’s whisper.
In conclusion, while ASMR may not be for everyone, it has certainly transformed my bedtime routine, offering relaxation and comfort for both me and my children. If you’re curious about home insemination and related topics, check out this informative resource from the CDC, or explore more about effective home insemination kits at Make a Mom.