Inner Sense: How the New Science of Interoception Can Transform Your Health

by Caroline Williams

'Science writing at its absolute best' Guy Claxton

Interoception is one of our most important - and most mysterious - senses. It's how our bodies tell our brains what we're feeling - when we're hungry, when we're cold, how we should respond to stress and panic.

In Inner Sense, Caroline Williams uncovers a field that's poised to revolutionise health, and explores groundbreaking new techniques that can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Combining science, medicine, mindfulness and physical therapy, Inner Sense is the first book to bring this exciting new field of medicine to a general readership.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Psychology, Science

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2025

Reviews

[Mihaela Danilov · Rating 5 out of 5]

too many of us are living from the neck up. this book tries to make justice for the body, considered by some just a vehicle for the mind. we are getting closer to the understanding of the brain and how decisions are made. and yes, this includes the body.

[Gerard Harkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will need a second reading as there is so much to take in. It really has a place on everyone’s shelf; especially those with a modern world lifestyle.

[Nolan Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: There appear to be two versions of this book on Goodreads with different covers; 'can Revolutionize your health,' and 'can Transform your health'. Not sure what's going on there.

I listened to this book through Libby in Audiobook format. The narrator was professional and brought the material to the forefront.
I sorted Libby by currently available nonfiction and scrolled until this caught my eye.

Pros: Forward movement regarding health, perspectives on health, and interplay between previously existing fields of study make for great learning material. Learning the names of things- fields of study, human senses, experiments and results- leads to wider understanding and more reference points to use in life.

Cons: Again, the bane of my existence, books written by journalists/reporters with snappy descriptions of inconsequential quirky characters. The connection between science and applicable actions could have been better. Valuable, useful information often hidden among other less interesting material; chapter summaries would be nice.

All in all, I thought this book brought up a lot of interesting items, though it could have been much shorter. The spotlight on a field of research that we don't know much of excites me.

Would recommend to anyone interested in learning about health and the human body.

I could read this book again, if only to actually identify and highlight useful/actionable info.

[Morag Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook is a fascinating deep dive into Interoception, and how this remarkable sense can improve health outcomes and wellbeing.

The book starts off in a way I would describe as very ‘science-ey’ but one third in and I found it easier as a lay listener.

Covering topics including pain, aging and gut health it is really on point regarding current research - for anyone considered cold water immersion for example this book will tell you all you need to know!

A super smart read that packs a punch in terms of self-care!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I approached this book without any prior knowledge, interest, or understanding of interoception, and now I'm utterly fascinated. If you're seeking ways to improve your health rooted in solid scientific research rather than fleeting fads, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's well-structured and easy to grasp, even for those with limited scientific background. Fans of Tim Spector's work who are ready to delve beyond gut health will find this a compelling read.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I have so many screen shots from this book in the reading file.

I found it super interesting. How we are STILL learning about our own brains. And the study about people who listened / trusted their gut who made better decisions in areas from stock market to trusting people.

We SO NEED to listen harder. And feed it all the good stuff to keep it happy, of course.

4 stars

So far this year, my library saved me A$2850.05

[organisedchaosbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very well written. The book explains scientific information in a relatable way, incorporating examples. It helped me have a deeper understanding of how much body works and some steps I could take to improve my health. I would recommend this for anybody who has an interest in physical and mental health.

Thank you for this ALC via netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

[Becki Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinating. It has made me want to read further into the subject. It is very informative and makes sense when you read it. A worthwhile read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.