Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, sending signals from internal organs to the brain. While we may not always be aware of these messages, they play a crucial role in our overall well-being. This ability to tune into our body’s internal sensations is known as interoception, often regarded as a sixth sense.
In a recent episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, cognitive neuroscientist Sarah Garfinkel sheds light on the significance of interoception and its potential implications for mental and physical health care. Garfinkel, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, has been at the forefront of research in this field.
Interoception, though initially proposed by British neuroscientist Charles Sherrington in the early 20th century, received little attention until about a decade ago. Garfinkel highlights the remarkable transformation in the discourse surrounding interoception and underscores its importance in understanding various clinical conditions, including autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
She explains that while our brains prioritize external sensory inputs, such as sight and touch, interoception plays a crucial role in accurately interpreting bodily states. For individuals with conditions like autism, difficulties in interoception can manifest as challenges in recognizing hunger cues, underscoring its relevance in everyday functioning.
Moreover, Garfinkel emphasizes the link between interoception and emotional experiences, suggesting that disruptions in bodily signals can impact one’s emotional well-being. For instance, heightened bodily activity, such as an elevated heart rate, may exacerbate fear responses in individuals with PTSD.
Garfinkel’s research extends to developing interventions aimed at enhancing interoception to mitigate anxiety and other emotional disturbances. By training individuals to better tune into their body’s signals, she hopes to offer novel approaches to mental health care.
The evolving understanding of interoception heralds a new era in neuroscience, where the intricate interplay between the body and the brain is increasingly recognized. As research in this field progresses, it holds promise for informing tailored interventions and enhancing overall well-being.
To delve deeper into Garfinkel’s insights and learn about the latest advancements in interoception research, tune in to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast.
