"Despite the potential parallels between ASMR and aesthetic chills, one point of departure between the two experiences is that ASMR is typically considered to be relaxing and soothing (it is often used as a sleep aid), whereas chills are associated with excitement and physiological arousal. Whether ASMR is associated with a pattern of physiology indicative of relaxation is something that we address in the present research. To date, research into ASMR has been scarce, and no research has examined the physiological parameters or self-reported emotions that underlie this unique psychological state. The little research that has been published on ASMR has provided useful survey data on the use of ASMR videos (for relaxation, sleep, and stress), the age of first ASMR experience (5–10 years), and common triggers (whispering, personal attention, crisps sounds, and slow movements). More recently, neuroimaging research has revealed trait-level differences in resting-state brain activity between people who experience ASMR and those that do not. Specifically, ASMR experiencers (N = 11) show reduced functional connectivity (the coactivation of brain regions over time) in a number of areas of the Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is large-scale neural network (comprising the angular gyri, posterior cingulate, and medial prefrontal cortices) that has been linked with internal mentation and self-referential processing. Smith et al. found that ASMR participants (compared to controls) had reduced resting-state functional connectivity between frontal, sensory, and attentional regions of the DMN, a finding which suggests that ASMR may be underlined by an inability to inhibit sensory-emotional experiences. Interestingly, other research shows that increased DMN activation (as opposed to functional connectivity)–specifically in the anterior medial prefrontal cortex—is associated with observing highly moving and emotional artwork [26]. Such increased activation may represent the production of a strong and complex emotional response (aesthetic experience) from external stimuli (artwork). This association between sensory stimuli and intense emotional responding may be stronger in individuals with ASMR in response to certain triggers (e.g., whispering, tapping, hand movements)."