A quick search up for ‘ASMR’ will show you a ton of video’s and recorded sounds, which can
trigger the feelings and state people describe as ASMR.
For anyone still asking; ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is a mind and body
sensation, resulting in positive feelings and a relaxed state. It’s that feeling you get, which comes
with tingles starting from the scalp and moving down the neck and upper back, leading to a state
of mild euphoria and deep relaxation.
Some describe these sensations manifesting, like a slow warm shower of enjoyable tingles,
followed by positive and happy feelings. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve experienced it in some form.
For me I couldn’t get much out of the popular ASMR content like soap cutting or whispering into
expensive microphone. I thought “maybe ASMR isn’t for me, feels weird” until tropical tree frogs
entered the chat.
Tree Frogs or as I first called them “what the heck is that noise?” are the soundtrack to the night
in many tropical parts of the world.
(Fun fact: I first heard tree frogs when on a package holiday to Antigua. I embarrassingly
convinced myself, and then told other guests at the resort, that when the sun goes down, they
“play nature sounds through rock shaped speakers hidden in the plant beds.” I’d mistaken the
“speaker” for an actual rock, and the reason? Carib Beer, Rum Punches and a low gov budget for
my education. Seriously, I wish I was joking)
Male tree frogs can sing for hours each night to find a mate and, as it turns out they have the
opposite effect on me. Literally lights out, frogs outside going for gold, me inside lights out,
couldn’t stay awake if I’d tried.
And what a sleep those little green buggers aided, it was insane how they triggered such a deep
and restorative sleep. Daily Piña colada’s, not working and edible Caribbean delights also
helped…
I’ll never forget the first time I heard this beautiful and very ruddy loud ‘frog sound’. “I’ll never
sleep here!” was my first thought…but when trying to sleep the first night we got home, after 2
weeks in the Caribbean… I couldn’t sleep without the ‘Caribbean frog chorus’. Argh!
Thankfully there is this video from Sleepiry which will give you the full tree frog chorus, along with
a sunset and ocean waves lapping the shore. I dare you not to yawn or bookmark it.
Anyways, listening to nature sounds doesn’t always initially appeal to all. Like moi, some will have
dismissed it as: “seems like something my wife/mum/sister/daughter might enjoy” and maybe
even hate on ASMR a bit.
I’ll tell you what’s not very masculine: not sleeping very well.
Sleep depravation is such a good interrogation tactic, that in the December 2014 Guardian Article
on reported CIA torture, they revealed that “Sleep deprivation was employed routinely and was
seen as a key tool in enhanced interrogations.”
We’ve all had those awful sleepless nights, leading to zombie days, when there isn’t enough
coffee of pro plus to keep you at anywhere near alert. I’m all for the great night’s rest, waking up
positively with a clear head, and big energy. It all comes down to what’s more important to thee.
Quality sleep is a big deal for anyone interested in their short and long term health prospect.
Signs of sleep problems:
(Source NHS > Sleep Problems)
- Find it difficult to fall asleep
- Lie awake for long periods at night
- Wake up several times during the night
- Wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep
- Feel down or have a lower mood
- Have difficulty concentrating
- Be more irritable than usual
Longer-term sleep problems can affect our relationships and social life, and leave us feeling
tired all the time, eating more and not able to do daily tasks.
Lack of sleep = lack of life.
When stress has been peaking in my life due any number of factors (work pressure, financial
worry, extra demands on my time etc etc), good quality sleep is always an early casualty.
8 things you can combine for the chance of a decent kip:
- Set the Scene: Block light with thick curtains or an eye mask. Muffle noise with earplugs or white noise. Get a comfy mattress and keep the room temp just right.
- Nightly Ritual: Stick to a fixed sleep schedule—even weekends. Unwind with books, soft tunes, or gentle yoga. Ditch screens an hour before bed; blue light messes with you.
- Dump Worries: Jot down nagging thoughts or save them for tomorrow. Try mindfulness or meditation to calm the mind.
- Mind the Menu: Skip caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) 6 hours before bed. Limit alcohol—it ruins sleep quality. Avoid big or spicy meals late.
- Move It: Regular exercise deepens sleep, but don’t go hard near bedtime—it’ll keep you up.
- Nap Smart
- Check Meds: Some drugs disrupt sleep—talk to your doc or pharmacist if suspicious.: Cap naps at 20 minutes and avoid late-day snoozes
- Get Help: If sleep still sucks, see a GP. Insomnia or apnea might need a pro’s touch.
There is a growing number of people who seek what is natural for their life, even in their tech
based solutions.
It’s why I wanted to start capturing sights and sounds from my home – Cornwall. It’s a blessed
and beautiful place, full of sounds which evoke focus, relaxation, peace, rest, meditation and
sleep.
Check our Cornish ASMR videos, original recordings of natural sounds proven to aid your rest,
relaxation and sleep.