Topic: ASMR

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_sensory_meridian_response

Basically, getting the chills or other similar physical responses from sound. This is a huge part of my emotional response process(?), system(?) not really sure what word to use. I find it to be quite disruptive sometimes, especially when I'm trying to fall asleep. However, it can be extremely pleasurable in some situations, but also incredibly uncomfortable in others.

If I'm am not already exhausted when trying to going to bed, I am often disrupted by this ASMR, while trying to relax into sleep with my eyes closed. At the slightest sound, behind my closed eyelids, I will see a bright flash a light and feel static in my head and along my body. If the sound repeats itself in rapid succession, I will see/feel a flash/buzz inside my head and along my body with each pulse of sound. Its extremely disruptive and uncomfortable and often makes me feel a sudden anger. If I've had too much caffeine, gluten, MSG, or sugar, this effect is much more prevalent.

On the other hand, when I listen to certain kinds of music, I am inundated by "the chills", goosebumps, or more specifically, little static footprints marching lines down my body. (There are thousands of videos on YouTube made specifically with the intent of triggering the ASMR, go figure!)

I think all of this is related to the intense physical responses I have when I'm acutely upset/depressed, trying to process emotion. When I have a crying spell, I feel an intense, zinging sensation in my abdomen. It radiates out from a certain point and travels downward. I know this particular response is directly linked to alexithymia, but I'm curious if anyone else experiences the same physical sensations I've described above related to sound.