The term ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which describes the tingling sensations that start in the crown of the head in response to various stimuli. ASMR triggers differ among individuals and can include specific physical sensations, sounds, imagery, and interpersonal interactions. It is sought after for the pleasant sensations and emotions it elicits, and many find it beneficial in alleviating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

ASMR is often used to help with sleep, as the calming and relaxing environment it promotes can assist individuals in falling asleep. Scientific studies have been conducted to determine the validity of ASMR claims, and the results indicate that ASMR videos elicit tingling sensations and positive affect, particularly in individuals who identify as having ASMR. Physiological measures also revealed reduced heart rate and increased skin conductance levels in ASMR participants while watching ASMR videos, indicating a physiological effect. ASMR has been found to regulate emotion and may have therapeutic benefits for individuals experiencing ASMR.

If you are considering using ASMR to aid in falling asleep, there are various triggers you can experiment with, such as whispering, blowing, crinkling, tapping, and gentle hand movements. Additionally, you can explore touch-based and interpersonal triggers, sound-based triggers, and visual triggers. It's important to note that ASMR should not be solely relied upon as a solution for sleep issues, and focusing on sleep hygiene is crucial.

Creating a regular sleep schedule, avoiding blue light, and creating the perfect environment for sleep are essential steps to improve sleep quality.

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Working night shifts has been classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Denmark became the first country to provide compensation to women who developed breast cancer after working unsociable hours, such as nurses or cabin crews. The UK government has resisted similar legal claims and refuses to pay compensation.

Out of 78 cases reported in Denmark, 38 received compensation through their employers' insurance schemes. The evidence prompted the WHO to include circadian rhythm disruption as a probable carcinogen. Shift work involving circadian disruption is considered probably carcinogenic to humans. This led the Danish government to compensate shift workers with breast cancer, setting an example for other countries to follow.

Regular disruption of the circadian rhythm has profound consequences, with evidence showing elevated rates of breast cancer and colorectal cancer among shift workers. Exposure to light at night suppresses the production of melatonin, which is believed to possess anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that people who are blind are less likely to develop breast cancer, indicating a potential link between light exposure and cancer risk. Sleep plays a crucial role in the immune system's functions, as the body heals during sleep.

Sleep deprivation can severely impact the immune system, reducing the number of circulating natural killer cells. Furthermore, sleep disruptions stimulate the inflammatory process, which is exploited by cancers to facilitate their growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived mice experienced a 200% increase in the speed and size of cancer growth. Despite these findings, many people are forced to work night shifts in a 24-hour society, risking their health.

The evidence underscores the dangers of shift work, and it is hoped that more governments will acknowledge these risks and compensate workers who have sacrificed their health.

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The podcast discusses the possibility of dogs dreaming and how scientists have studied this phenomenon in animals. It starts by describing the behavior of dogs during sleep, such as whimpering, barking, and leg twitching, which could indicate dreaming.

It delves into the science of dreaming, particularly REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, during which dreaming occurs. It explains that dogs, like humans, spend a significant amount of time in REM sleep and explores the concept of muscle paralysis during this sleep stage.

It further explores REM behaviour disorders (RBD) in animals and humans, drawing parallels between the behaviours observed in dogs and the scientific research conducted on cats and rats. It discusses the work of researcher Matt Wilson, who studied the brain activity of rats and discovered neural firing patterns during sleep that mirrored their daytime experiences, suggesting that rats may indeed dream.

The podcast concludes by highlighting the importance of studying animal dreaming to gain insights into the nature of dreaming across species. It emphasizes the valuable role of animal models, such as rats, in providing objective methods for investigating dreams and understanding the mind's activities during sleep. The overall message is that studying animal dreaming can enhance our understanding of the nature of dreams and shed light on whether dogs, like rats, may dream about their daytime activities.

Learn more at: https://sleephelp.co.uk/