The Hidden Sadness of ASMR Videos

Psychology Today | 28.04.2026 23:34
I use ASMR videos to fall asleep. For the uninitiated, ASMR stands for "autonomous sensory meridian response." It's a tingling sensation in the back of the head, neck, and spine in response to some sort of auditory or tactile experience. ASMR "triggers" (as they are called) can vary widely. Some common auditory triggers are the sound of fingernails tapping on hard surfaces, various forms of whispering, and the sound of a candle burning. Tactile triggers include having your back scratched or your hair brushed. Some people's ASMR is triggered by medical exams, such as an eye exam.