The Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask About Sound Baths (But I’ll Answer Anyway)
A warm, honest and insightful guide to everything you secretly want to know before booking your first sound bath, gong bath or sound bath meditation.
by Clare Savory, Feeling Sound
Let’s Get Honest About Sound Baths…
If you’ve ever typed “sound bath near me” into Google, hovered over a result and then freaked out because you didn’t know if you had to sit cross-legged, chant or hug strangers in a circle… you’re not alone.
As a sound therapist who runs sound baths and gong baths across Glossop, the High Peak and beyond, I’ve heard every worry, fear and “what if?” imaginable. Truly - nothing surprises me anymore. So today, I’m giving you the no-shame, judgement-free, honest guide to everything you’ve been too embarrassed to say out loud. Let’s take the mystery (and awkwardness) out of sound bath meditation once and for all!
Q1. “What if I fall asleep? Or someone next to me starts snoring?”
Well?? Can you sleep during a sound bath? Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes. Falling asleep in a sound bath is one of the best signs your nervous system is relaxing. Snoring? It happens. No one will judge you. I won’t poke you. And if the person is snoring next to you, roll over on your side away from them, let them be. We never know what is happening in someone else’s life.
I used to be distracted by the odd light snore too, but overtime I realised that it’s an honour for people to feel safe and relaxed enough to trust me, the room and the group to fall asleep.
One thing to note is that to get the most out of a sound bath it’s perhaps best if you don’t fall fully asleep. Your aim should be to practice holding yourself in relaxed wakefulness. Ideally it’s best you get to what we call a theta brainwave state, somewhere between deep sleep and being awake, similar to dreaming.
To do that you could think about whether lying down is the right posture for you - instead lie on your side, or even sit up to help you stay a bit more alert.
Have a chat with me before a sound bath for tips on the best postures to stop you falling asleep if you’re worried!
Yes you can fall asleep during a sound bath!
Falling asleep is OK, here's tips of how to stay in a state of relaxed wakefulness:
Q2. “What if I fart?”
Honestly? It happens.
When your body relaxes, digestion switches back on - thank your vagus nerve for that. A little wind is absolutely fine. Sound therapy is loud enough that nobody will notice, I promise. (I’m playing gongs and bowls - trust me, I can cover it) We’re all human. Sound baths are there to help you get comfortable, genuinely no one cares. Plus, who can even prove it was you…
Q3. “Why do I feel emotional?”
You might be wondering why sound baths sometimes make you cry. Tears in a sound bath aren’t a sign you’re ‘losing it’ - they’re a sign you’re releasing. Sound gently shakes loose the things your mind has been holding on to. You might:
feel tearful
get a lump in your throat
feel old memories surface
suddenly feel lighter
It’s all completely normal. Think of it as your body finally exhaling.
Q4. “What if I start coughing?”
Totally fine. Lying still activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which can cause tiny shifts in breath, swallowing, coughing or throat clearing.
Coughing during a sound bath is okay. There’s no need to silently choke to death to avoid making a noise. It might be best to take a bottle of water with you, so if you do cough there’s a drink near to hand!
Q5. “What if I need to leave?”
You absolutely can. You’re not trapped. If something feels overwhelming or you need air, just quietly sit up and step outside.
My sessions are a safe space, not a test of endurance. This is your sound bath - remember that!
Remember that you always have options if you're finding the experience a little overwhelming - you can open your eyes, sit up, touch the floor to ground yourself, or even just watch what I'm doing to help reassure you and give some breathing space.
If you do leave, it’s best not to come back in the room to disturb the group, that could be unsettling for others.
Sound bath etiquette: keep your phone on silent with vibrate turned off. If it rings, just step out.
Q6. “What if I need to keep my phone on for emergencies?”
Here’s some sound bath etiquette for real life - life happens.
If you’re awaiting an important call, keep your phone on silent and next to you, with vibrate turned off. If it rings, just step out. No judgement - we all have other stuff going on which might be the very reason you are spending time with me in the first place so don’t let it be the cause of your stress. All I ask is to be courteous to others in the group, they’ve set aside time and paid money to relax too. If you do leave, it’s best not to come back in the room to disturb the group, that could be unsettling.
Q7. “I can’t lie on the floor - can I still come?”
Absolutely. Sound baths are accessible for everyone. You can:
sit in a chair or wheelchair
recliner with cushions
stay upright
bring your own support
Sound travels through your body regardless of position - you don’t need to be horizontal to benefit! If you need a chair or support with your mobility it’s best to drop an email in advance so i can prepare the space to best support you.
Q8.“What if I need the toilet? And…can sound baths cause diarrhoea?”
Yes, this is genuinely a searched phrase. So let’s address it.
Sound relaxation activates your rest-and-digest mode. This can cause:
tummy gurgles
bowel movement signals
sudden urges to go
If you need the loo during a session, just go. Your body is doing what it needs to do. No shame, ever. Just maybe don’t use the hand dryer as that might kill the mood during the sound bath! Come back to your space as quietly as you can so not to disturb the others.
Q9. “What if my stomach rumbles loudly?”
Your digestive system is basically applauding you.
A rumbling stomach is a sign your stress response is switching off - which is exactly what a sound bath is designed to do. Celebrate the rumble. I do! I always smile when I hear a belly rumble as it means you’re feeling safe enough to relax!
Q10. “Is a sound bath religious or spiritual?”
Not necessarily. Whilst the methods and wisdom behind sound baths comes from centuries of ancient practices across a variety of cultures and religions, my sound baths are offered in a modern, secular setting. That means they’re open to include and welcome all.
You don’t have to follow any belief system, be spiritual or know anything about meditation. But if that’s your jam, that’s ok too.
Sound baths can feel:
grounding
peaceful
contemplative
spiritual
or simply deeply relaxing
Some people simply enjoy the science-backed nervous system reset. You get to interpret the experience in whatever way feels right to you.
Q11. “Is there any physical contact during a sound bath?”
In my soundbaths, no. It’s deeply safe and non-intrusive. No touching, awkwardness or surprise Reiki. Your personal space is fully respected at all times.
Q12. “Do we sit cross-legged and hug? I mean, what actually happens in a sound bath?”
Let me paint the picture for you.
My sound baths in a nutshell: Find a comfortable position + closed eyes (if you want) + enjoy waves of sound = deep rest.
In my sound baths yoga mats, blankets and pillows are provided, so you just need to come as you are. Sit back and enjoy calm, comfort and sound. Think of it as a relaxed communal nap with better acoustics…
Q13. “What do I actually DO? How do I know if I'm doing it right?”
Here’s the beauty of sound bath meditation: there is no right or wrong.
This is what you actually do:
get comfy
listen
drift
breathe
feel
rest
If you’re relaxed, curious, sleepy, emotional, daydreaming or simply breathing - you’re doing it perfectly. Studies show that even closing down your eyes can help slow the brain down from what’s called beta to alpha brain wave activity. So don’t worry if you’re not a regular meditator or yogi guru, simply relaxing with your eyes closed is rest!
Q14. “How do I know if it’s working?”
Sound bath therapy benefits explained (science + spirit). Sound therapy works on the nervous system, not the logical brain. Everyone experiences it differently. You might feel:
warmth
tingles
heaviness
floating sensations
emotional release
calmer afterwards
more grounded
clearer the next day
Or you might feel nothing dramatic…and then sleep like a log that night.
Both are totally normal. Try not to compare your experience with others, or worry about a right or wrong way. Let’s be curious enough to explore what’s right for you, and how you can make the most out of sound baths for your wellbeing.
15. “What if I don’t like it?”
Great question - resistance is actually interesting. Not liking a sound or feeling irritated is actually valuable information. It can show:
where tension sits
what’s being triggered
what emotions are rising
where your system needs care
Or maybe you’re not used to deep stillness - let’s face it, who is in the ever increasing demands of modern life?? Don’t forget, I’m fully trained in sound therapy and I can help you explore what’s coming up gently and safely. Not liking a sound isn’t a bad thing- it’s an opportunity to help us find what’s going to benefit you the most.
Experience the magic of deep relaxation with Feeling Sound - sound baths in the Peak District.
Curious? Nervous? Half-Intrigued?
You’re welcome exactly as you are. Every session I run is warm, playful, inclusive and grounded in both ancient wisdom and neuroscience. There’s no pressure or expectations - just a space to rest and reset.
Upcoming Sound Baths & Gong Baths in Glossop / Peak District
Want to Try a Sound Bath?
You might search for a “sound bath near me”, but at Feeling Sound you’ll experience a science-backed reset for your brain, body and stress levels.
