The science of ASMR

While fans swear by its calming power, researchers find mixed results on the impact of ‘Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response’ on the brain

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Most of us have experienced tingling or 'goosebumps' at some point, especially when we feel a strong positive emotion such as awe or excitement.

But some people have this response when they listen to certain sounds.

Online videos which feature sounds of people whispering, crackling packets, and brushing or combing a microphone are all geared towards making you feel this positive tingle - the autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR.

Not everyone responds to ASMR content. But many who do say it makes them less anxious and helps them sleep. What does the science say?

What is ASMR?

ASMR is an involuntary emotional and physical response, typically to a sound, which causes a reflexive tingling sensation on the scalp and back of the neck.

This multi-sensory experience can make us feel euphoria and "psychological stability", meaning we experience less inner turmoil and feel calmer.

However, we still don't have much evidence about what happens in the brain and the body when this occurs.

Some argue that ASMR is simply an example of frisson (French for 'shiver'). This is when an intense emotional stimulus - such as a tender moment in a movie - triggers tingling or gives us "the chills".