Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of VR-Based ASMR Animation: A Comparative Study on Relaxation and Sleep Aid

Abstract

Although numerous studies have explored relaxation and sleep aid through Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos or conventional Virtual Reality (VR) relaxation methods, the integration of VR 3D animation with ASMR and its comparison to traditional VR relaxation methods remains underexplored. To address this gap, we investigate a standardized process for creating a VR-based ASMR animation game and its impact on triggering the ASMR tingling sensation in VR environments. We also developed a VR 3D environment game featuring four natural environments, along with one ASMR video as a control group. A comprehensive experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness of these three relaxation methods. Forty-seven participants aged 18–35 from Bournemouth University were recruited and divided into three experimental groups. Participants' emotional and physiological responses were monitored using both subjective questionnaires and physiological data collection that is, heart rate (HR) and electrodermal activity (EDA). Our findings show that VR-based ASMR animation game effectively triggers the ASMR tingling experience and offers superior relaxation, sleep assistance, and emotional regulation compared to watching ASMR videos and conventional VR relaxation methods, resulting in a significant reduction in anxiety and stress, as well as increased feelings of calmness and sleepiness.