Understanding the Safe and Sound Protocol and its Potential Impact on ME/CFS
Updated: 2 days ago
Written by Michelle Doubtfire, BACP Registered Psychotherapist, Trauma Therapist, Qualified and Certified Safe and Sound and Rest and Restore Practitioner based in the UK.
For further support and information, please contact www.thesafetytherapist.com and www.safesoundconnected.com.
ME and CFS is something that my practice has been drawn to in the last few years. Not only have I had experience of close family members and friends having CFS but since the pandemic I have seen a real rise in people who are suffering from ME/CFS.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) remains a profoundly complex and often misunderstood illness. For a long time, it has been difficult to articulate what is truly happening inside the body. However, after studying Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, I have been able to put these conditions in some form of context.
Through this lens, I began to truly understand how a person can end up in a profound state of collapse. When the nervous system is under attack or under extreme stress for too long, it simply loses its ability to find its way back to rest. It makes so much sense to me now. I have watched this exact shift happen to people after a severe infection or illness—their bodies become trapped in a protective state, unable to return to normality. Using SSP I have seen people able to move from this collapsed state in hours rather than months, when the nervous system is already primed to the sounds of the music.
The other day however. I read an interesting article from a researcher who introduced a new hypothesis, that infection of the vagus nerve could be a key factor in ME/CFS symptoms. This idea may support why nervous system regulation, including the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), which targets the nervous system may improve health and the symptoms of ME/CFS.
This post explores the connection between the vagus nerve, ME/CFS, and how the Safe and Sound Protocol might offer relief.
Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
ME/CFS is a debilitating condition that affects many aspects of life. It can lead to extreme fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties. The symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. Some people have significant pain in their legs and back whilst others have headaches. Some people cannot cope with temperature changes and many have sleep problems.
The Vagus Nerve and ME/CFS: A New Hypothesis
The vagus nerve is a long, branching nerve that connects the brain to many organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and digestive system. It plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, and immune response.
Dr. Van Elzakker from Tufts University suggests that ME/CFS symptoms may arise from an infection directly affecting the vagus nerve (1). According to this hypothesis:
Viral or bacterial infections activate glial cells along the vagus nerve.
Activated glial cells release inflammatory substances.
These substances bombard the sensory vagus nerve, sending distress signals to the brain.
The brain responds with symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, fever, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
If glial activation becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent, intensified symptoms similar to neuropathic pain.
This theory explains why ME/CFS symptoms vary widely among patients. The differences depend on where the infection occurs along the vagus nerve, the infection’s severity, and the body's immune response.
What Is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on his Polyvagal Theory. It uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve the nervous system’s regulation.
The SSP aims to:
Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the autonomic nervous system.
Improve social engagement and communication.
Enhance emotional regulation.
Support better sleep and reduce fatigue.
The protocol typically involves listening to a series of music sessions over several days or weeks. The music is designed to target the middle ear muscles, which are connected to the vagus nerve, encouraging the nerve to function more effectively.
How the Safe and Sound Protocol Might Help People with ME/CFS
Given the vagus nerve’s suspected role in ME/CFS, the Safe and Sound Protocol offers a promising non-invasive way to support nerve health and reduce symptoms. Here’s how:
Calming Inflammation: By stimulating the vagus nerve, SSP may help reduce the inflammatory signals caused by glial cell activation.
Improving Autonomic Balance: ME/CFS often involves dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat and digestive issues. SSP encourages a shift toward parasympathetic (rest and digest) dominance.
Enhancing Sleep Quality: Better vagus nerve function can improve sleep architecture, which is often disrupted in ME/CFS.
Supporting Cognitive Function: Reducing nerve inflammation and improving nervous system regulation may alleviate brain fog and cognitive difficulties.
While research on SSP specifically for ME/CFS is still emerging, early reports from clients and providers suggest it can be a valuable part of a broader treatment plan to support sleep, help with anxiety or sound sensitivities.
For more information see Unyte's case library can be found here
Practical Considerations for Using the Safe and Sound Protocol
If you or someone you know is considering the Safe and Sound Protocol for ME/CFS, here are some practical tips:
Consult a Healthcare Professional: SSP should be used under the guidance of a trained therapist or clinician familiar with the protocol.
Start Slowly: The protocol involves multiple sessions, usually starting with shorter listening periods to monitor tolerance.
Combine with Other Therapies: SSP works best as part of a comprehensive approach, including therapy, nutrition, and symptom management.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in fatigue, pain, sleep, or mood to assess the protocol’s impact.
Be Patient: Nervous system healing takes time, and improvements may be gradual.
The Future of ME/CFS Treatment and the Role of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve infection hypothesis simplifies the search for ME/CFS causes by suggesting that any infection along this nerve can trigger symptoms.
The Safe and Sound Protocol represents a way forward, offering a way to directly influence vagus nerve function without medication. As research progresses, combining SSP with other therapies targeting immune function and infection may improve quality of life for many living with ME/CFS.
Conclusion: Embracing New Approaches to Healing
Exploring the vagus nerve’s role in ME/CFS opens new understanding to manage this challenging illness. The Safe and Sound Protocol provides a hopeful tool to support nervous system balance and reduce the burden of symptoms.
As we continue to learn more about ME/CFS and its complexities, embracing innovative treatments can lead to better outcomes. I encourage you to consider the Safe and Sound Protocol as part of your journey towards healing.
1) VanElzakker MB. Chronic fatigue syndrome from vagus nerve infection: a psychoneuroimmunological hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. 2013 Sep;81(3):414-23. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.05.034. Epub 2013 Jun 19. PMID: 23790471.
2) Untye Case Study Library https://integratedlistening.com/resources/all-case-studies/
Michelle Doubtfire is a BACP Registered Psychotherapist, Trauma Therapist, Safe and Sound and Rest and Restore Practitioner. For further support and information, please contact www.thesafetytherapist.com and www.safesoundconnected.com.
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