Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a social media phenomenon. From videos of people tapping on objects, to whispering bedtime stories, or even eating within millimetres of a microphone, many posts have hundreds of thousands of views. But is it just a TikTok trend, or can it actually help people relax?

Many describe ASMR as giving them a warm, tingly feeling when watching or listening to certain 'triggers'. While not everybody experiences these reactions, many who do claim it helps them fall asleep, deal with pain, and manage their emotions.

On today's extra episode of The Briefing, we hear from Professor David Alais at Sydney University's School of Psychology, and ASMR Creator Jade Scarborough, about what exactly ASMR is, the science behind it, and how it can help with relaxation.