ASMR, also known as autonomous sensory meridian response, has become a YouTube sensation over the past few years. In fact, it has become so popular that W Magazine has made a celebrity ASMR series on their YouTube channel, featuring A-listers such as Cardi B and Jennifer Garner.

Despite its popularity, many people find it “creepy" or “uncomfortable" because it entails soft whispering, eating, mouth noises, and heavy breathing.

However, when given the chance, ASMR can be very helpful to those listening. In a study, it was found that 98 percent of responders found ASMR videos relaxing, 82 percent and 70 percent used the videos for sleep and stress relief respectively, and 80 percent reported a positive effect of ASMR on mood.

What exactly causes these reactions? According to sleep.org, ASMR is a “feeling of euphoric tingling and relaxation that can come over someone when he or she watches certain videos or hears certain sounds." These reactions come from a variety of sounds that ASMRtists create.

These sounds can be caused from the simplest to the most complex ways. Simpler ways are hair brushing, finger fluttering, and microphone scratching. However, sometimes ASMRtists have to get creative to catch the viewer’s attention. Some will conduct role plays where they act as doctors, masseuses, or caring friends. One popular channel called SophieMichelle ASMR recently uploaded a video titled Eye Examination Roleplay.

ASMR may seem odd or daunting at first glance, however it can have major benefits. It may just be responsible for your best sleep yet.