Devon bedmaker’s sumptuous sound bath promotes the positive health benefits of good sleep

Around twenty people attended the autumn event at the bed retailer’s Topsham showroom for an hour-long evening sound bath. They received a calming brew of the company’s own Sleep tea before settling down in comfort on an opulent mattress, handmade in Devon from natural materials, including sheep’s wool.

Mary Forrest of Gong Song provided the sensory sound bath. Mary said: “A sound bath is a way of getting into a deep, meditative state without having to actively do anything to achieve it. You just lie there and let the sounds of the gongs and the instruments slow down the brain waves to a hypnagogic, half-awake, half-asleep state. The brain can’t really make sense of these unique, unfamiliar sounds; it can’t follow a tune or a pattern and kind of gives up, allowing your mind to take you on a sensory journey - for some people it’s like the waves of the sea washing over them, others experience a floating sensation or the feeling of being up in the clouds. Usually, it helps people to really relax their bodies and sometimes it’s almost an out-of-body experience.

“I love bringing sound baths to unusual places. I’ve never done one in a bed shop before and several people with back problems have told me that they wouldn’t have gone to a normal sound bath, where you sit or lie on a mat on the floor. This set up allows them to experience the sounds and vibrations in total comfort.”

Sharon from Kingsteignton, who’s been to regular sound baths before, brought her mother, Margaret, for her first sound bath. Sharon said: “We came along specifically because I knew we’d be lying on a comfortable bed and my mum would be able to enjoy the full experience because she wouldn’t have to get down on the floor.”

Margaret said: “Having a bed was ideal for me. I’m always on the go. I never sit still long enough to relax, but this really hit the spot. I could have settled in for the night.”

Kate from Bovey Tracey came with her daughter, Tilly. Kate said: “We’ve been to a couple of Mary’s sound baths before in village halls, and the lure of the beds was too great. It just seemed so sumptuous. I’m aware of the importance of getting enough sleep to allow your body to switch off and heal. This was awesome.”

Tilly added: “If I don’t get good sleep, I’m all disregulated.”

Tanya, who lives near Christow, said: “I’ve been to several different types of sound bath, including floating ones, but this was by far the best because of the bed. I’m a person with a mind that never relaxes, but here I just fell asleep. People will spend good money on expensive things, but not consider investing in a great bed.”

Tim Ellis of Enchanted House Beds said: “We’ve had a great turn out for our first sound bath. People have enjoyed the experience so much that they have fallen asleep or nearly fallen asleep here in our showroom. Tonight’s been about much more than trying out one of our mattresses; for us, it’s about the mindfulness of the experience and the conditions you need to aid a good night’s sleep.

“Sleeping better means living better. Ultimately, we want to help people focus on the wellness side of good sleep. You can’t underestimate the difference a comfortable, supportive mattress makes. Ours are made on Dartmoor, using wool from our own sheep, and we care about helping our customers choose the right one for them.”

Enchanted House Beds makes traditionally crafted beds proudly produced in Devon from quality natural materials.