April 9: International ASMR Day

Céline Arétin, culture, women's issues and environment correspondent, April 9, 2025

What is ASMR?

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a feeling of well-being triggered by stimuli, often auditory or visual. This sensory reaction usually manifests as pleasant tingling sensations starting at the scalp and moving down the neck and back. The most common triggers include whispering, tapping, crinkling sounds, and slow, repetitive movements. In addition to these triggers, some people respond to sounds such as running water or the light sound of footsteps on different surfaces. Although the precise mechanisms behind ASMR are not yet fully understood, there are hypotheses about its role in reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which could explain its relaxing effect on the body. Like meditation, ASMR helps focus attention and brings a form of mental calm.

Benefits of ASMR on body and mind

ASMR offers numerous benefits, particularly for managing stress and improving sleep. It also helps soothe anxiety, strengthen concentration, and promote restorative sleep in cases of insomnia. These effects are often reinforced by regular ASMR sessions, which help manage everyday stress and improve sleep quality over the long term. Some patients with chronic pain even report temporary relief thanks to the soothing effect of this content. Psychologically, ASMR promotes better mood regulation and helps reduce intrusive thoughts.

The most common techniques and ASMR content creators

Among the most popular methods are whispering, tapping performed with the fingers on surfaces such as wood or glass, crinkling paper, keyboard sounds, and eating sounds (ASMR mukbang). Some videos offer simulations of personal care, such as scalp massages, mock makeup application, or virtual haircuts. Among the most popular ASMR content creators are Gibi ASMR, ASMR Darling, and Maria, known as Gentle Whispering ASMR.