How Does Sound Healing Help Children to Relax & Sleep Better?
Sound healing is a powerful wellbeing tool & has many benefits including improving sleep. But can this be applied to children?
How Do Sound Baths Work?
Sound baths are deeply relaxing experiences where soothing sounds and vibrations from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and chimes help to calm the nervous system. These healing frequencies work by decreasing anxiety, reducing physical pain, and improving sleep quality. The immersive soundscape allows the body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation, promoting overall well-being. Learn more about relaxation benefits here.
How Does This Apply to Children?
Children, just like adults, experience stress, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. However, their shorter attention spans and natural inclination toward movement mean that traditional sound baths may not always be ideal. Having worked with children for many years, I understand the importance of meeting them where they are.
For sound healing sessions to be engaging and beneficial for children, they should be interactive, fun, and appropriately timed. Sessions can start short, gradually increasing in duration as children become familiar with the practice. I cover this in greater depth, with real-life examples, in my course The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children.
How Can Sound Baths Be More Interactive?
To make sound healing engaging for children:
Encourage participation: Ask children questions like, “What does this instrument sound like to you?” or “How does this sound make you feel?”
Allow vocal and body expression: Let children make their own sounds using their voices and body percussion.
Incorporate movement: Sound baths don’t have to be stationary—children can sway or dance to engage with the sound.
Let them play the instruments: Giving children hands-on experience with sound instruments enhances their connection to the healing process.
Will My Child Benefit If They Don’t Lie Down Quietly?
Absolutely! Sound healing is absorbed through the entire body, not just the ears. Vibrations from sound instruments are received by receptors on the skin, which means children can still benefit while playing, moving, or even sleeping. There is no need to pressure them to sit still or be silent—they will receive the therapeutic effects naturally.
Does It Have to Be an In-Person Session?
No, while face-to-face sound healing sessions are wonderful because they allow the practitioner to tailor the experience in real-time, listening online can be just as beneficial.
Some advantages of online sound healing for children include:
The comfort of being at home
The ability to listen repeatedly, reinforcing relaxation and routine
A tool for calm and emotional regulation
A soothing background for playtime, creativity, homework, or bedtime
Can be used as a lullaby substitute for improved sleep
For bedtime sessions, be sure to minimise screen exposure beforehand to avoid overstimulation.
More Benefits of Sound Baths for Children
Sound healing offers many benefits beyond relaxation and sleep, including:
Boosting imagination: Helps children develop creativity and self-expression
Building self-esteem: Encourages confidence and self-acceptance
Emotional regulation: Aids in processing and managing emotions
Creating equality: Removes hierarchies—all participants are equal regardless of age, background, or experience
Providing a well-being toolkit: Equips children with lifelong tools for stress relief and self-care
Final Thoughts
Sound baths are a gentle yet powerful way to help children relax, regulate their emotions, and improve their sleep patterns. I have seen firsthand how transformative this practice can be for children of all ages. If you're interested in learning how to integrate sound healing into children's lives, my course The Sound Healer’s Guide to Working with Children offers practical guidance, interactive techniques, and expert insights.