what is asmr

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is a tingling sensation that usually begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It is a subjective experience of "low-grade euphoria" characterized by "a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin". ASMR is most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attention control. Some people describe the feeling as “tingles” that run through the back of someone’s head and spine, while others say the feeling is deeply relaxing and can even cause them to fall asleep. ASMR triggers, which are most commonly auditory and visual, may be encountered through the interpersonal interactions of daily life, or through exposure to specific audio and video. Stimuli that can trigger ASMR include listening to a softly spoken or whispering voice, listening to a person blow or exhale into a microphone, listening to mouth sounds, such as quiet clicking of the tongue or tisking, listening to tapping, typically with ones nails onto hard surfaces, and listening to buttons being pressed, mostly those of computer keyboards or video game controllers. Although research on ASMR is limited, it appears that activating this response helps some people relax and sleep better.