Both RRP (Rest & Restore Protocol)
And SSP (Safe & Sound Protocol)
are filtered music therapies from Unyte Health.
But the audio tracks for each use different music and target different branches of the vagus nerve.
SSP targets the Ventral Branch of the vagus nerve, while RRP targets the Dorsal Branch.
SSP: Safety in Connection with Others
SSP offers playlists like Original, Wonder, Classical, and Groove (featuring popular music, Disney-style, classical or ambient fusion. The intent is to signal safety in connection with others. The focus is on Social Engagement. The improvement occurs as the result of listening to filtered music purposefully designed to deliver the frequencies of a melodic human voice. The intention of this filtered music is to highlight human voice frequencies, activating the ventral branch of the vagus nerve.
RRP: Sleep, Rest, and Restoration
RRP, on the other hand, uses unique (specially composed) instrumental tracks and different filtering algorithms specifically designed for the body’s restorative function. The focus is on deep rest and physiological coherence. These audio tracks “tune” your nervous system for deep internal healing & rest by activating the dorsal branch of the vagus nerve.
One could think of it this way: the SSP Playlist helps you to connect outwardly and develop the capacity for Co-Regulation. RRP audio tracks helps you to connect inwardly and helps develop the capacity for Self-Regulation. SSP helps you develop a sense of safety with others. RRP helps you to feel safe within your own body.
SSP
RRP
In short, they complement each other: SSP “opens” the nervous system up for connection, and RRP “stabilizes” it for deep rest. One might do SSP first to feel safer, then RRP to integrate that safety, or start with RRP to get your system calm enough for SSP to work better.
More on RRP
The audio tracks are designed
to optimize interoception
(our ability to sense internal bodily states),
thereby reconnecting the brain and body.
According to co-creator, Dr. Stephen Porges, this reconnection is crucial for individuals whose trauma or developmental challenges have disrupted these essential feedback loops, leading to various mental and physical health challenges.
Using acoustic parameters that extend beyond traditional sound design, this innovative technology integrates insights into endogenous biological rhythms with the nervous system’s capacity for rhythmic entrainment. This supports coherence across neural pathways.
The RRP audio tracks, according to the co-creators, “uses sound in a precise, scientific way to help the body find balance.” The technology is designed to
support regulation and resilience, whether you’re working with trauma, sleep, recovery, or stress. In short, these audio tracks use rhythm and resonance to help the nervous system do what it’s built to do!
The RRP Introductory track introduces the musical theme without embedding attributes of endogenous biological rhythms.
The objective of the Introductory Track is for the client to become familiar with the theme and reduce any anticipatory feelings of uncertainty. This allows the provider to assess the client’s sensitivity and prepare the client for the full experience.
The client can then advance to Levels One, Two, and Three, which are progressively more dynamic. These more progressively tracks gradually alter tempo and volume. Each level has 3 Tracks . . . Track 1A, 1B and 1C . . . 2A, 2B, and 2C; 3A, 3B, and 3C. Each track is 30 minutes in length and the acoustic parameters in each track increase in complexity.