I got into watching ASMR videos about two years ago when The Fine Brothers released a video titled 'YouTubers React to ASMR'. In that video, various YouTubers watched ASMR for the first time and shared their thoughts about the newest internet 'trend'.

After that, I dug a bit into what could be considered the 'Weird Side of the Internet' and found a few ASMRtists that relaxed the absolute hell out of me.

If you aren't already aware, ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It's that little tingling feeling you get whenever someone does something that relaxes you. These little actions or sounds are called triggers and there are a ton of them: hair brushing, tapping on things, watching oddly satisfying videos, and page turning to name a few.

There are so many different kinds of ASMR videos that it's difficult to name all of them. I enjoy personal attention videos where someone will do your makeup or give you a facial. Some people like roleplay videos where the ASMRtist will pretend to be a doctor giving you a check-up or an artist who is painting your face. Others like eating or lip-smacking videos (something I try to avoid at all costs).

You just need to find the trigger or type of video that calms you.

ASMR is perfect for anyone with anxiety or insomnia. It has helped me to go sleep on numerous occasions, especially whenever I'm sleeping in a new place for the first time. ASMR really came in handy in college when I was somewhat homesick and wanted to sleep in peace. I turned on a Gentle Whispering video and drifted off easily those first few nights.

It's very easy to write ASMR off as a 'weird thing' or as a 'sex thing' when, in reality, it's a legitimate way to calm down and destress enough to drift off. A lot of ASMRtists remind me of mothers trying to help their children sleep; they are so calming and you can tell they truly care about their audience.

WhispersRed ASMR is a great example of this motherly love that radiates through the screen and makes falling asleep that much easier.

Recently, I've noticed the ASMR community receiving a lot of hate which makes me truly sad. ASMR might make some people uncomfortable, which is fine and you have the right not to watch it. All I'm saying is you shouldn't have an aversion to the things you don't understand.

If ASMR doesn't work on you, that's okay, but don't judge others who watch it just because you don't like it.

If you're ever feeling stressed out or want to calm down, give ASMR a chance. Start with these channels (which are also my favorites)-Gentle Whispering ASMR, WhispersRed ASMR, Gibi ASMR, ASMR Darling-and enjoy the resulting deep restful sleep.