What is ASMR?

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Over the past few months, a new trend has swept the internet. Videos of people whispering gently into a microphone or tapping on glass and other surfaces have become widely popular. After watching these videos many people have described feeling a deep, relaxing sensation. This is called ASMR.

ASMR is an acronym for autonomous sensory meridian response. According to sleep.org, many people who claim to experience this describe it as a “feeling of euphoric tingling and relaxation that can come over someone when he or she watches certain videos or hears certain sounds.”

The people who experience ASMR-related feelings often describe it as a tingling feeling in the scalp and spine that is then followed by a feeling of euphoria or relaxation.

Online, there are many videos specifically made by people who call themselves ASMRtists. These YouTubers often make videos specifically curated to trigger ASMR related feelings in the viewer.

They range from a gentle whispering into a microphone, hair brushing, tapping on different surfaces or even a role play as characters from popular media.

Anyone can experience ASMR related feelings. Many people use these videos to sleep or to help with mental illness. Each trigger is specific to an individual and can come in any form.

According to Smithsonian.com, there are intriguing findings that suggest that ASMR may relieve some people’s symptoms of stress and insomnia, and that the brains of those who experience it may be organized a little differently than others.

So, take a look at some YouTube videos for yourself and see if you too can experience the relaxing tingles of ASMR.