Motion sickness, sometimes referred to as sea sickness or car sickness, ruins vacations and travel for many. Motion sickness is a common condition, with about 30% of the general population suffering some kind of symptoms during a voyage. Everyone is susceptible, and motion sickness can be produced in anyone if the circumstances are right. Just thinking of it is enough to make you feel squeamish. Motion sickness usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.
What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness (kinetosis) is the experience of unpleasant symptoms, predominantly nausea, during real or perceived motion. Motion sickness is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation, children age 2-12, and in persons who have migraine headaches. Motion sickness can occur in a car, airplane, ship or boat, train, camel, horse, amusement park ride etc.
What are the symptoms of Motion Sickness?
Common symptoms of motion sickness are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Rapid, shallow breathing (hyperventilation)
- Paleness of the skin
- Dizziness
- Increased salivation
What causes Motion Sickness?
In order for the body to determine where it is at all times, the brain combines visual information, touch information, inner ear information (using the rolling of the fluid filled in the series of canals inside the inner ear, called the labyrinth), and internal expectations. Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, the eyes, and other areas of the body that detect motion send conflicting messages to the brain. One part of your balance-sensing system (your inner ear, vision, and sensory nerves that help you keep your balance) may indicate that your body is moving, while the other parts do not sense motion.
What can I do about it?
There are several ways you can try to prevent motion sickness:
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Relax: Get plenty of rest prior to starting your travel plans. Weariness and exhaustion can make you more susceptible to other things that can bring on motion sickness. A body that is well rested is a body that is better able to handle the stress factors that are associated with traveling.
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Sit in selective places: Where you sit can make a difference. Place yourself where motion is least. In a car, sit in the front seat, looking ahead. In an airplane, choose an aisle seat over the wing. On a ship, remain at the middle of the ship (preferably on deck). In a bus, take a seat just behind the front door. Keep the window open and fresh air accessible at all times.
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Keep your head steady: Keep your head still and focus on the distant horizon. Close your eyes to avoid looking at fast-moving scenery or waves. Avoid rapid head motion (especially looking up or turning or twisting).
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Avoid Junk food: Avoid eating very heavy or oily foods that do not agree with you before traveling. Also, avoid salty foods and dairy products before travel. Eat light meals or snacks that are low in calories in the 24 hours before air travel. Eat dry crackers or drink a carbonated beverage to help settle your stomach if you become ill.
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Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water is important. Sometimes while a person travels, they will not drink enough and this can bring on an episode of motion sickness. However, avoid drinking alcohol as it can really compound the situation and make it even worse.
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Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke or sit near smokers. The smell of cigarette smoke in a confined area can induce motion sickness.
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Avoid Reading: Avoid reading while traveling and do not sit in a backward facing seat. Reading will have your eyes fixed on a stationery object, yet your body feels the motions. This can trigger confusion and a sudden onset of motion sickness.
More serious symptoms of motion sickness can be treated with medication. You also can take prescription and nonprescription medicine to prevent or reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Bon Voyage!
