Motion Sickness: Symptoms, Treatment, and Tips


Motion sickness, also known as motion-induced sickness or kinetosis, is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the signals sent to the brain from the eyes, inner ear, and the body’s sensory receptors.

Motion sickness typically arises when your senses send conflicting information to the brain. For instance, when you’re aboard a boat, your inner ear moves with the motion of the waves, but your eyes see a stable horizon. This sensory conflict can lead to the symptoms mentioned below.

Symptoms of Motion Sickness:


The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from mild to severe and may include:

  1. Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often accompanied by a desire to vomit.
  2. Vomiting: Some people experience vomiting as a response to nausea.
  3. Dizziness: A feeling that the surroundings are spinning or swaying.
  4. Fatigue: A sense of exhaustion or lethargy in response to nausea and discomfort.

Treatment for Motion Sickness:


There are several methods that can help alleviate motion sickness. Here are some of the most common ones:

  1. Focus on the Horizon: If you’re on a boat, try to focus on a distant object or the horizon. This can help provide more consistent information to your eyes and balance organs.
  2. Avoid Reading or Focusing on Nearby Objects: Reading or concentrating on nearby objects like a phone or a book can worsen motion sickness. Try to avoid this and look into the distance instead.
  3. Fresh Air: Get some fresh air by going on deck. Fresh air can help relieve nausea.
  4. Acupressure Wristbands (Motion Sickness Bands): Some people find relief by using acupressure wristbands that target specific points on the wrists. These can be purchased at pharmacies or online.
  5. Motion Sickness Medication: There are prescription medications available to prevent or alleviate motion sickness. These may include antihistamines or scopolamine patches.
  6. Avoid Alcohol and Light, Easily Digestible Food: Refrain from consuming alcohol and opt for light, easily digestible food before and during your journey. Heavy meals or alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms.
  7. Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen motion sickness. However, do not close your eyes.
  8. Avoid Smoke and Strong Odors: Strong odors and smoke can worsen nausea. Try to steer clear of them if possible.

It’s important to try different methods to find out what works best for you. If you experience severe or persistent motion sickness, consult a doctor for advice and possible treatment options.

Who Gets Motion Sickness?


Anyone can experience bouts of motion sickness, even seasoned sailors who have never experienced it before. However, there is a tendency for those who are more anxious to be more susceptible to motion sickness, and those who can relax and go with the boat’s movements tend to be less prone to it. Nonetheless, it’s not entirely within one’s control, and for some, it’s a lifelong tendency, while others may find that it diminishes with more time spent sailing.

This is another reason why it’s essential to not simply buy a boat and set off. Go sailing before making a purchase, and learn to sail to see if it suits you first.

Best Remedy for Motion Sickness:


The most effective remedy for motion sickness involves a combination of approaches. The most potent medications are prescription-based, so have a discussion with your doctor. However, when you combine medication with the behaviors mentioned above, such as staying outdoors, focusing on the horizon, and being mindful of what you eat while avoiding perfumes and other strong scents, you can go a long way in reducing symptoms. Whether an acupressure wristband works is highly individual, so give it a try.

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