My first time listening to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, or ASMR, was when my friend showed me a video of a woman eating carrots close to the microphone. We laughed at the weird crunching sounds, but now, years later, I can rarely fall asleep at night without listening to it. How had I become hooked on these audio-focused videos that so many people find gross? Beyond the amplified clips of people eating food and satisfying slime-making content that might show up occasionally on your Instagram feed, ASMR has expanded into a niche community with millions of members that focuses on encouraging sleep and relaxation.

Creators of ASMR (or self-proclaimed “ASMRtists”) share content on video streaming platforms like YouTube and TikTok that feature soothing audio and visuals to try to help viewers fall asleep. ASMR is the pleasant, tingling sensation one gets, often on their scalp, when listening to these videos. It’s our brains responding to gentle auditory stimulation. ASMRtists use triggers, which are repetitive sounds like tapping, whispering, and scratching, to relax viewers. Many ASMR creators on YouTube, like Gibi ASMR and Gentle Whispering ASMR, have over 1 million subscribers, and their comment sections are filled with insomniacs who, like me, finally found a way to fall asleep at night.

While ASMR might not be for everyone, it serves many purposes beyond being a sleep aid. As the ASMR community has grown in numbers in recent years, many ASMRtists have become more creative with their content. Some make ASMR role-plays that include experiences like getting an eye exam, a haircut, or a massage to try to mimic the pleasant personal attention we receive in these real-life situations. Makeup and painting tutorials are also commonly converted into ASMR by using microphones to amplify the soft sounds of the brushes at work.

One of the more recent developments in the ASMR community has been creating content that doubles as mental health resources. While ASMRtists who make content like this include disclaimers and provide links to professionals, these videos are a safe place for people to go to when they are experiencing stress or anxiety. One creator, Karuna Satori ASMR, has multiple videos intended to help followers through a panic attack, and with over 100,000 views on each, they evidently work for many people. Karuna also makes videos specifically geared towards processing trauma and accommodating people with Sensory Processing Disorder, all while serving the dual purpose of helping viewers sleep.

As someone who has listened to ASMR regularly for multiple years, I can vouch for its positive influence on listeners. While I started engaging with it for the satisfying audio, I’ve found my own mental health and confidence improved as a result. Listening to videos with positive affirmations or triggers to relieve anxiety helps me feel relaxed and refreshed each night. So if you’re having trouble sleeping or feel stressed about life, try popping in some headphones and give ASMR a try!