My name is Cindy, and I am a chronic insomniac. Five years ago, I returned to college. A baby-boomer, sure... but I felt that my life experience would really help me achieve new dreams. I soon was caught in in a whirlwind of essay writing, book cramming, and collaborating. I rarely slept. When I could finally collapse onto some nice cool sheets, a light bulb would go off in my head. Did I forget something? Is the Biology Prof going to spring some obscure fact on the test? My mind would race and race. By the time I fell into a fitful sleep, it seemed, my alarm would be blaring.
In stark contrast, I had to literally be dragged from sleep as a young child and well into my forties. I felt perplexed. I would go over my mental checklist of what was causing me to lose so much sleep. I was in the best shape of my life. Took really good care of myself. Don't drink. No drugs. No heart broken this year, at least -- check. I could only attribute this to college. My crazy hours were definitely the beginning of my complete and utter lack of sleep.
I read somewhere that over sixty million people suffer from chronic insomnia. That wan't very reassuring at the time. At my wits end, I decided to search for "typing sounds" on YouTube. For some odd reason, the typing sounds would put me into a trance-like state. I found them very relaxing.
I was pleasantly surprised and shocked to find hundreds upon hundreds of typing sounds videos. From that night forward, I slept like a baby for the first time in years. I could put my earbuds in at night and just listen to the clicking and clacking of the keyboard. That did the trick.
It wasn't long after that I had an epiphany.
I thought to myself, "Self, why don't you create your own ASMR channel?" So I did. My YouTube channel is ChickHappensASMR.
A lot of my subscribers have repeatedly thanked me for helping them get through a dental procedure, to calm down before a big test, and to finally get some sleep.
It is so rewarding to feel as if I can make a difference. I can help people. Empathy. That's why I became a health professional. I truly care.
There are several studies underway that are testing the effect of patients who listen to music before surgery -- I believe the results indicate an increase in the recovery process. I believe ASMR could very possibly be used in much the same way.
Now, I find myself in the fortunate position of being afforded this opportunity to speak about ASMR. I am fortunate to have such great subscribers, all of whom I consider my friends. Lastly, I have formed lasting friendships with my fellow ASMRtists. We are a unique circle of friends. An eclectic and diverse bunch that shares in one common goal. To create videos that help you.