The Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)
Developed by Unyte in collaboration with Polyvagal-informed clinicians
RRP_Client_Brochure
The Science Behind RRP
RRP builds upon the same Polyvagal principles as SSP but focuses specifically on:
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Deep restoration
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Parasympathetic regulation
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Recovery from chronic stress
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Nervous system exhaustion
If SSP trains the listening system for safety detection, RRP supports the system in settling into restorative states.
Chronic stress can leave the nervous system oscillating between:
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Hyperarousal (sympathetic mobilisation)
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Hypoarousal (dorsal shutdown)
True restoration requires access to ventral vagal safety.
RRP uses specially designed music pathways to:
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Support slower autonomic rhythms
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Encourage parasympathetic tone
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Facilitate digestive, restorative and repair functions
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Support sleep and recovery
It is not sedation. It is nervous system nourishment.
Who RRP May Help
RRP can be helpful when someone experiences:
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Burnout
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Chronic stress
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Fatigue after trauma work
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Sleep disturbance
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Ongoing activation
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Difficulty “switching off”
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Nervous system fragility
It can also follow SSP to consolidate gains.
How We Use RRP
RRP is typically delivered over a longer period (e.g., 1–3 months).
We begin gently:
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5–10 minutes
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Gradually increasing
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Tracking responses carefully
Unlike SSP, RRP is often used more flexibly and may become part of a regular regulation practice.
Headphone Recommendations
The same principles apply:
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Over-ear headphones
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No noise cancelling
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Comfortable volume
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Quiet environment
Consistency supports integration.
What To Pay Attention To
During RRP listening, notice:
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Breath slowing
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Softening in the belly
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Changes in digestion
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Sleepiness
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Emotional settling
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Unexpected grief or release
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Feeling more resourced
If you feel:
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Heaviness or collapse → we adjust
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Agitation → we shorten
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Overwhelm → we pause
This is an ongoing autonomic conversation.
Best Time of Day
Often:
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Late afternoon or early evening
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Not immediately before highly stimulating tasks
If sleep is fragile, we experiment carefully.
Safety and Support
RRP works best when:
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You have a relatively stable external environment
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You have access to co-regulation (partner, friend, therapist)
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You are willing to engage intentionally
Listening is passive. Integration is active.
My Clinical Approach
Both SSP and RRP are delivered within a therapeutic frame.
We attend to:
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Context
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Choice
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Connection
These are three core autonomic needs for safety Autonomic_Mapping
.
You are never left alone to navigate shifts. We track together.
A Final Word
These protocols are not quick fixes.
They are invitations.
Invitations to:
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Befriend your nervous system
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Increase your capacity for safety
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Strengthen social engagement
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Restore regulation
When safety outweighs danger, change becomes possible.
