Sensory Systems. What are they and why are they important?
Sensory Systems: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Our senses give us information about our surroundings and what is happening inside our bodies. This information helps us make sense of everyday experiences and respond to them.
Our Sensory Systems
The five familiar senses are sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Three other sensory systems are:
- Vestibular: information about movement and the position of our head, which contributes to balance and posture.
- Proprioception: information from our muscles and joints about body position and movement.
- Interoception: awareness of signals inside our bodies, such as breathing, heartbeat, hunger and the need to use the toilet.
People notice and respond to sensory information differently. The same experience may feel comforting to one person and uncomfortable or overwhelming to another.
Sensory Experiences in Everyday Life
You may already choose activities or surroundings that help you feel more comfortable. Examples include listening to familiar music, looking at favourite photographs, walking, gardening, reading somewhere quiet or wrapping yourself in a comfortable blanket.
Think about what has helped you before and what fits your needs now. Small changes to an activity or your surroundings may be more practical than setting aside a fixed amount of time each day. Choose experiences that feel comfortable and safe for you.
Occupational therapy considers how sensory experiences affect the activities, roles and routines that matter to you. Explore sensory processing assessment and support or occupational therapy for everyday life.