In short, motion sickness is the body’s confused response to movement—but with a bit of planning, smart positioning, and a few proven remedies, it can usually be kept well under control.
Motion sickness can strike almost anyone—whether you’re sailing, driving through winding roads, or even exploring virtual worlds. It’s that unpleasant mix of nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats that turns travel into an ordeal. Research shows that more than half of all car passengers have felt carsick at least once, and up to 80 percent of people who work at sea occasionally suffer from seasickness. Even pets can be affected.
Why motion sickness happens
Seasickness happens when your body’s balance system, located in the inner ear, receives signals that don’t match what your eyes see. On a moving boat, your inner ear senses the rolling and pitching motion of the waves, but if you’re inside the cabin, your eyes perceive a still environment. This sensory mismatch confuses the brain, triggering a stress response that can lead to nausea, dizziness, and even vomiting. Other researchers point to body posture and adaptation—if you don’t naturally adjust your stance or gaze in response to motion, your body can react negatively. The mismatch between what your body feels and how you move can make you ill. Finally, genetics seem to influence susceptibility. A large study by 23andMe found hundreds of genetic markers related to balance, vision, and inner-ear function that may make some people more prone to motion sickness than others.
Strong smells, such as diesel fumes or fish, can make symptoms worse. Most people experience seasickness within the first 12 to 24 hours of being on the water, but as the body adjusts to the vessel’s motion, the symptoms usually fade. Unless the sea turns rough, it’s uncommon for seasickness to last beyond the first couple of days of a trip. If you start feeling unwell, remember that it’s temporary—everyone recovers, and often quite quickly. Staying hydrated, eating light, and keeping calm are usually enough to help your body adapt.
Tips to reduce or relieve seasickness
The most effective approach is prevention.
Food and hydration
• Stay hydrated, and avoid heavy, spicy, or greasy meals before and during travel. Drink plenty of water or mild juices like apple or carrot. Avoid milk and acidic drinks, which can upset your stomach. Alcohol and caffeine tend to worsen symptoms, so it’s best to skip them.
• Eat small, light meals; simple foods like crackers or bananas are best.
• Drink water regularly but in small sips.
Fresh air and positioning
• Let fresh air circulate: being outside or near an open window helps.
• Whenever possible, stay on deck. The open air helps balance your senses, while enclosed spaces below deck can worsen nausea.
• Choose a stable spot: midship on lower decks or the front seat in a car usually offers less motion.
• Keep your eyes on the horizon: focusing on a fixed point helps your brain align visual and physical cues.
• Avoid looking down: reading or scrolling through your phone can worsen dizziness.
• Lie down if needed: resting your head can calm your sensory system.
• Keep occupied: gentle movement or light tasks can distract your mind and ease discomfort.
• Be prepared: keep a small bag nearby in case you need it. If you have to be sick overboard, always face the leeward side (away from the wind) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Medications and natural remedies
Over-the-counter motion sickness tablets such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine work best when taken about an hour before departure. They can cause mild dehydration, so drink extra fluids. Doctors can also prescribe scopolamine patches, which are worn behind the ear. Natural alternatives include ginger—in tea, candy, or capsule form—and acupressure wristbands, which some travelers swear by.
Other helpful habits
• Sleep well before your trip; fatigue can increase nausea.
• Practice calm breathing or meditation to relax your body.
• Gradually expose yourself to motion over time—your body can adapt.
Training your body
Recent studies suggest that specific physical and mental exercises can reduce sensitivity to motion. One approach, known as the Puma Method, uses stretching and head movements to build resistance to nausea. Another, developed at the University of Warwick, found that short sessions of visual-spatial puzzles helped people tolerate car rides better.
When to use medication or devices
If natural strategies don’t work, short-term medication may be a good option. These should be taken before travel begins, as they prevent—not cure—symptoms. However, they can cause drowsiness and aren’t suitable for everyone. For those avoiding drugs, ginger remains a safe, proven choice. Gadgets also offer potential relief—acupressure bands and anti-nausea glasses with shifting liquid to mimic a horizon can sometimes help, though scientific evidence is limited.
And most importantly—don’t feel embarrassed. Even the most experienced sailors, captains, and marine researchers occasionally succumb to seasickness. It’s a normal reaction to the body’s adjustment to the sea, and with a few smart habits, you’ll soon find your sea legs again.
Additionally, consider consulting with a healthcare professional if you frequently experience severe motion sickness, as they may provide personalized strategies or treatments tailored to your needs.
Photo: pixabay
