Rest and Restore Protocol

A gentle sound-based approach to supporting calm, safety, and wellbeing

What is the Rest and Restore Protocol?

The Rest and Restore Protocol is a sound-based therapy developed by Dr Stephen Porges, the creator of Polyvagal Theory.

It uses specially filtered music, listened to through headphones, to help your nervous system move out of stress and into a state of calm, safety, and connection.

The protocol is designed to be gentle, non-invasive, and easy to use.

It can be delivered both in-person and remotely and can be integrated into ongoing therapy or delivered as a stand-alone treatment.

How does it work?

Our nervous system is constantly scanning the world for signs of safety or danger. When it is working well, it responds appropriately and at the right level. Our internal rhythms are balanced and responsive — a state known as homeostasis.

When we are under stress — whether through illness, injury, psychological challenge, or past trauma — these rhythms can become disordered or stuck.

The Rest and Restore Protocol uses a process called entrainment to gently bring the nervous system back into regulation. Entrainment is the natural tendency of the body’s internal systems to synchronise with sound and rhythm.

The physiological rhythms supported by RRP include:

• Cardiac and respiratory rhythms — calming racing heart and breathing
• Gut peristalsis — reducing discomfort and supporting digestion
• Vagal tone — improving emotional regulation and stress recovery

The Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) is a clinical-grade application of Sonocea Enhanced Technology, delivered therapeutically by a certified provider.

What happens during sessions?

We begin by learning about your nervous system and how it responds to stress and everyday challenges. This can take place in person or via Zoom.

Together, we create a visual “ladder” to help you understand and track your nervous system responses and identify supportive practices.

You are then given access to the music, which can be listened to in sessions or at home with guidance and support.

How is it delivered?

• We start slowly and progress at a pace that suits you
• You are encouraged to listen while seated or lying down
• Progress depends on your time and your nervous system’s response
• You will have access to the programme for a full year

Most people describe the experience as calming, soothing, or deeply restful.

How might the Rest and Restore Protocol benefit you?

People often report benefits such as:

Feeling calmer and more settled

• Reduced anxiety or agitation
• A greater sense of inner calm

Improved emotional regulation

• Feeling less easily overwhelmed
• Faster recovery from stress

Better sleep and rest

• Improved ability to relax
• Feeling more refreshed and restored

Improved gut function

• Reduced irritable gut symptoms
• Improved digestive regulation

Increased sense of safety

• Feeling more grounded in your body
• Greater comfort around others

Support for trauma and long-term stress

• Helpful for trauma, chronic stress, or burnout
• Supports therapy without needing to revisit painful memories

Who can benefit from the Rest and Restore Protocol?

The protocol may be helpful if you:

• Experience ongoing stress or anxiety
• Feel constantly on edge or shut down
• Have difficulty relaxing or sleeping
• Feel overwhelmed by emotions
• Find traditional talking therapies difficult

It is suitable for many people, including children, young people, and adults.

Questions or concerns?

If you would like to know more or have any concerns, please speak to your practitioner. We are happy to talk things through with you.

Your wellbeing comes first.