Misophonia and the Challenge of ASMR Restocking Videos

98 I’m Shaylynn Hayes-Raymond, a LCT-C in New Brunswick, Canada, and the Director of the International Misophonia Foundation. I also live with misophonia, a condition that profoundly affects how I experience sound. Today, I want to share some thoughts on ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos, particularly the highly popular “restocking” videos, and how they intersect with misophonia.

What is Misophonia?

Misophonia is a neurophysiological condition where everyday sounds trigger an involuntary “fight, flight, or freeze” response. These sounds can include chewing, coughing, tapping, clicking, and many others. For someone with misophonia, these triggers can lead to intense feelings of distress, anger, or disgust. If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and found yourself inexplicably annoyed by restocking videos—where items are meticulously placed, poured, or snapped into place—you might have misophonia. Restocking videos often feature the very sounds that can provoke misophonia, such as the tapping of nails, the clinking of objects, or the repetitive snapping of lids.

ASMR and Restocking Videos: A Complex Overlap

ASMR, short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a phenomenon where certain stimuli, often sounds like whispering or tapping, produce a pleasant tingling sensation that begins on the scalp and travels down the spine. For many, these videos are relaxing and satisfying. However, for individuals with misophonia, the same triggers can have the opposite effect, causing significant distress. Research has shown that there’s an overlap between ASMR triggers and misophonia triggers. This may explain why some people with misophonia experience a fight-or-flight response to sounds that others find soothing. The International Misophonia Foundation, in collaboration with researchers, is currently conducting a machine learning study to analyze ASMR sounds, misophonia triggers, and neutral sounds like white noise. Early findings suggest these phenomena share some neurological pathways, which could open doors for better understanding and treatment.

TikTok and Sound-Based Challenges for Misophonia

TikTok is a platform heavily driven by sound, and for people with misophonia, it can be especially overwhelming. The app’s autoplay feature makes it difficult to avoid distressing sounds, even when a device is set to silent. The fast pace and repetitive nature of many videos can exacerbate the discomfort. Restocking videos are a prime example of this. They often combine visual elements, like fast movements and flashing lights, with sounds that can trigger both misophonia and misokinesia—a related condition involving a strong aversion to certain movements. Even without sound, watching these videos can evoke discomfort, as the brain anticipates the associated noises.

Personal Experience: Watching a Restocking Video

As someone with misophonia, watching restocking videos is deeply distressing for me. The snapping, clinking, and repetitive actions can provoke a visceral reaction. Even when muted, the visuals alone can elicit a fight-or-flight response, as my brain “fills in” the sounds. This reaction is not psychological but physiological, rooted in how my brain processes sensory input. I recently watched a restocking video featuring cans and packages being methodically arranged. Despite my efforts to rationalize my discomfort—thinking perhaps it was the overconsumption or redundancy of the content—I felt tightness, disgust, and an overwhelming urge to turn it off. These sensations highlight the profound physiological impact of misophonia.

Misophonia and ASMR: Two Sides of a Spectrum

It’s fascinating to consider how ASMR and misophonia exist as opposites. While ASMR can provide relaxation and pleasure, misophonia evokes distress and discomfort. Interestingly, studies suggest some people with misophonia may also experience ASMR under certain conditions, showing the complexity of these overlapping phenomena.

Coping with Misophonia in a Sound-Heavy World

Currently, there’s no definitive treatment for misophonia. However, resources and coping strategies are available through organizations like the International Misophonia Foundation and Misophonia International. If you experience distress from ASMR or other sound-related triggers, know that you’re not alone or “weird.” Your brain simply processes sensory input differently. For those who find restocking videos or similar content distressing, consider exploring our free resources and articles at MisophoniaFoundation.com or MisophoniaInternational.com. These platforms offer a wealth of information and a supportive community for individuals navigating the challenges of misophonia.