Motion sickness can turn any trip into a nightmare, but understanding its causes and implementing the right strategies can save the day. Learn how to prevent its symptoms to ensure a smooth journey with every trip.

What’s motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a common condition that can turn an exciting journey into an unpleasant experience. It occurs due to a mismatch between actual and expected motion, with repeated motion affecting the inner ear, disrupting the sensory system. This condition can manifest whatever the mode of transport, be it a road trip in a car, a cruise on a yacht, or a commercial flight. It can even strike while you’re plugged into a virtual reality system or on an amusement park ride!

Typical symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe distress. Common signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Increased salivation

In some cases, individuals experience Sopite Syndrome, in which they suffer a prolonged bout of tiredness that can last for hours or even days after the motion has ceased.

What triggers it?

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of motion sickness can help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The most widely accepted explanation for motion sickness is the Sensory Conflict Theory, which posits that motion sickness results from a discrepancy between the visual, proprioceptive (body’s ability to sense its own position and movements), and vestibular inputs (sensation of any change in position, direction, or movement of the head). When these sensory systems provide conflicting information about the body’s motion and position, the brain struggles to reconcile these inconsistencies, leading to the symptoms of motion sickness.

Role of the inner ear

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in our sense of balance and spatial orientation. It consists of three pairs of semicircular canals and two sacs called the saccule and utricle. These structures detect head movements and changes in gravity, sending this information to the brain.

When there’s a mismatch between what the vestibular system senses and what the eyes see, it can lead to motion sickness. For example, when you’re below deck on a ship, your inner ear may sense the rolling motion of the waves, but your eyes see a stationary cabin, creating a sensory conflict.

Who are susceptible?

While motion sickness can affect anyone under the right circumstances, certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility.

Women are generally more prone to it than men. Children between the ages of two and 12 are more susceptible than adults, with peak susceptibility around age nine. But infants under two years old are typically resistant to motion sickness.

Other risk factors include:

• Being pregnant
• Hormonal changes, including those related to the menstrual cycle
• Use of oral contraceptives
• History of migraines
• Genetic predisposition
• Previous experiences with motion sickness
• Certain balance disorders, particularly vestibular disease

Interestingly, a person’s mindset can also be a factor — those who expect to experience motion sickness are more likely to develop symptoms!

Preventing motion sickness

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Here are some strategies that could help to ward off motion sickness symptoms:

• Seat position: If you’re travelling in a car, sit in the front passenger seat. If you’re travelling by sea, stay in the middle of the vessel and as close to the water level as possible. On a plane, reserve a seat over the front edge of the wing; on trains and buses, book seats on the lowest level.
• Body position: In addition to your position on whichever mode of transport you’re on, you can work the position of your body to your advantage. Keep your head and body as still as possible. If you’re unable to actively stabilise yourself, recline your seat. Some studies suggest tilting your head into turns while in a car can help prevent symptoms.
• Visual strategies: Always face the direction of travel, and focus on the horizon or a distant stationary object. Avoid reading or looking at screens while in motion.
• Gradual exposure: If possible, gradually acclimate yourself to the motion. For example, before embarking on a sea voyage, spend the first night in the marina and a day in the harbour to desensitise your body before venturing into open waters. Alternatively, start with short journeys and gradually increase the duration as your body adapts.
• Dietary considerations: Eat light, bland meals before and during travel. Stay hydrated, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Some people find that ginger candies or lozenges help alleviate their symptoms.
• Acupressure: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, applying gentle pressure to the P6 (also known as Neiguan) point can help relieve symptoms. The point is found three finger-widths away from the wrist, roughly in the middle of the forearm. For convenience, there are commercially available wristbands that can do the job.
• Use your devices to your advantage: Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues and Android’s Motion Cues are apps that are either pre-installed or downloadable onto your portable devices to help align what you see with what you feel. Sensors on your device detect physical motion, and the animated dots displayed on the device screen move in tandem to reflect that, reducing the sensory conflicts and minimising motion sickness. For example, if the car accelerates forward, the dots would surge to the bottom of the screen.

Other measures: Ensure proper ventilation by opening a window or using air conditioning. Try distracting yourself with music or conversation and, if possible, take control of the vehicle — being the driver often reduces symptoms compared to being a passenger since, being in control of the car, one is able to better match expected and sensed motion.

Medication options

For those who are particularly susceptible to motion sickness or when other preventive measures aren’t sufficient, medication can be an effective option. It’s important to note that these medications are most effective before symptoms begin.

Over-the-counter options like antihistamines containing Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine are common choices. One can also try scopolamine patches, which can be applied behind the ear and provide longer-lasting relief. For more severe cases, it’s best to consult your doctor some time prior to your trip.

Whichever the case, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially for children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions. Many motion sickness medications can cause drowsiness and may not be suitable for those who need to remain alert, such as drivers.

Special consideration for children

Motion sickness is particularly common in children between two and 12 years old. However, many medications used for motion sickness in adults are not recommended for young children. Parents should consult a paediatrician for safe and appropriate prevention and treatment options.

Some child-friendly strategies include:

• Encouraging the child to look at the horizon or a distant object
• Providing distractions like music or audiobooks
• Ensuring frequent stops during car trips to allow for fresh air and movement
• Offering small, light snacks and plenty of water

In conclusion

Motion sickness, while common, doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of travel. By understanding its causes, recognising personal susceptibility, and implementing effective prevention strategies, most people can manage or even avoid symptoms entirely. Whether it’s choosing the right seat, focusing on the horizon, or using medication when necessary, there are numerous ways to keep motion sickness at bay and enjoy the journey.

Everyone’s experience with motion sickness is unique. What works for one person may not be as effective for another. It may take some experimentation to find the best combination of strategies for your individual needs. With the right approach, you can look forward to your next adventure without the worry of motion sickness dampening your experience.