We Tried Chuan Spa's Sleep Sound Journey at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The entrance to Chuan Spa through the signature moon gate.

Sleep is an essential and basic human need, yet many people don’t get enough of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one out of every three adults in the United States doesn’t get enough sleep or rest every day.

Being deficient in sleep can result in numerous mental and physical health issues, including heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure, among others. Not getting enough sleep is also linked to a higher chance of injury and loss of productivity.

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Unfortunately, not everyone has an easy time falling asleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also report that an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic or ongoing sleep disorders. March is National Sleep Awareness Month, which is a time dedicated to raising more awareness around the importance of getting good sleep and its benefits.

Chuan Spa at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is offering a Sleep Sound Journey experience on select Fridays during National Sleep Month.

Many hotels and spas around the world are participating in National Sleep Awareness Month by offering various special packages and promotions that are aimed at helping to enhance guests’ sleep during their stay. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is among the properties that are celebrating National Sleep Awareness Month by offering several special experiences for guests including a Sleep Pretty Express Facial (available through March 31), in addition to a Sleep Sound Journey (offered on March 15, 22, and 29) at their renowned Chuan Spa.

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I recently attended the first Sleep Sound Journey on March 15, which also happened to be World Sleep Day. Led by Langham fitness instructor Anne Harriger, the immersive hour-long experience has been curated to unwind the mind and encourage deep relaxation among participants through the therapeutic power of sound and meditation.

After a particularly long and hectic week filled with meetings, work events, and deadlines, my mind was overstimulated and I was ready to unwind and decompress. Not to mention that as a result of changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time on March 10, I was still feeling slightly behind and unbalanced. But the moment I walked through the moon gate entrance to Chuan Spa, I instantly felt more relaxed.

Langham fitness instructor Anne Harriger leads the Sleep Sound Journey series at Chuan Spa. [Photo credit: Daryl Getman]

“Americans and the world as a whole are overworked, overwhelmed, experience symptoms of stress and anxiety, and are in constant fight or flight mode,” Harriger says. “We have trained ourselves to believe that we must work harder, faster, and be emotionally stronger so that when we retire we can finally rest and live the life we’ve always dreamed about. Unfortunately, many people do not make it that far because they don’t take the time to care for their bodies, minds, and souls in the present moment. Thankfully, I believe we are going through a global realization that this mentality is not sustainable if we want to live longer, fuller lives.”

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Harriger greeted me at the entrance to the fitness studio, where the Sleep Sound Journey was being held in a private room. The room was dimly lit and there were individual yoga mats for participants to lie on, in addition to blankets and pillows for comfort. Plush spa robes were also available for guests to wear.

Each attendee was also gifted a small bag that included a list of tips for better sleep, a Chuan Spa soap, skincare product samples, and “Rediscover Your Source: Volume 1,” a CD featuring soothing spa music created exclusively for Chuan Spa.

Attendees were gifted an assortment of items for relaxation and self-care.

After getting into a comfortable position on my yoga mat with a pillow under my head and under my legs for support, I covered myself with the blanket and closed my eyes as Harriger began the Sound Journey. For the next hour, tranquil music played in the background as she led us through the relaxing experience, which incorporated sound bowls of various sizes, along with other soothing sound effects.

Very rarely does one get the opportunity to mindlessly zone out and be present. Our bodies are always in a state of being “on,” and it felt nice to just let go. Throughout the Sound Journey, I remained in a state that was halfway between being awake and asleep. It was a great place to be and I had no desire to be anywhere else but in that present moment.

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“This particular sound healing experience at The Langham Huntington Pasadena corresponds with the Vernal Equinox and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) element wood, marking the beginning of the season of spring,” Harriger says. “In American culture we often set New Year’s resolutions in January, which is the heart of winter, a time that instinctively we tend to turn inward. Rather than forcing ourselves to go against our internal clocks, I welcome the participants of the Sleep Matters event to manifest new chapters in their life and clear space for new ideas by visualizing new goals that allow spiritual growth and expansion on a subconscious level while they embark on this healing journey.”

Sound bowls of various sizes are featured in the immersive experience, which is curated to unwind the mind and invite deep relaxation through the therapeutic power of sound and meditation. [Photo credit: Anne Harriger]

After the hour-long session had concluded, Harriger gently welcomed us back. There was no rush to get up or leave, we were all encouraged to go at our own pace, slowly opening our eyes and sitting up when we felt ready. Seasonal elemental tea was also available to sip on after the class. I was much calmer, my stress levels had significantly decreased, and I felt ready for bed.

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“This event holds a special place in my heart as music has been rooted deeply in my being before I could even speak,” Harriger says. “A sound bath is a meditative experience that is inclusive to all and beneficial to anyone who chooses to embark on this experience. The sound frequencies slow down the brainwaves and allow us to sink into a state of restfulness where we no longer have to think, but rather feel and explore the sensations our bodies and even the universe have to offer us. Once we are able to tap into this state of mind, we are free to explore our intuition, creativity, and even heal past traumas and experiences that no longer serve us.”

Guests were also offered seasonal elemental tea to enjoy after the class.

An added bonus of attending the Sleep Sound Journey is that participants also get access to the spa’s facilities, which include lockers and showers, a relaxation lounge, sauna, herbal steam room, and whirlpool. Since it was 7 p.m. the spa was virtually empty, so I took the liberty of further relaxing with a 15-minute session in the whirlpool to loosen my muscles before heading home.

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It was the perfect end to a wonderful Sleep Sound Journey, and that night I fell asleep with ease and woke up feeling refreshed and energized. I had such a great experience that I’m actually going back tonight for the second installment of the Sleep Sound Journey and I’m bringing my husband with me, who could definitely use the opportunity to unplug from his busy job. After hearing me rave about it nonstop for the past week, it piqued his curiosity and he’s looking forward to giving it a try.

After the Sleep Sound Journey, I spent time in the spa’s whirlpool for further relaxation.

The Sleep Sound Journey at Chuan Spa is free for hotel and spa guests. Non-hotel/non-spa guests will need to purchase a day pass to attend. To RSVP and reserve a spot, call 626-585-6414.

For more information about the Sleep Sound Journey and other Chuan Spa offerings at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, click here. Follow them on Instagram: @langhampasadena @langhamhotels. Follow Anne Harriger on Instagram: @trailblazer_86.

[Photo credit: Kamala Kirk/Anne Harriger/Daryl Getman]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk