Why Do We Get Motion Sickness?

why do we get motion sickness

Have you ever been on a long car ride, a boat, or a roller coaster and suddenly felt queasy, dizzy, or just plain awful? If so, you’ve probably experienced the unpleasant sensation of motion sickness. It’s a common problem that affects many people, myself included. I remember a particularly rough ferry ride where I spent most of the trip hanging over the railing, wishing I had never set foot on that boat.

But what exactly causes motion sickness? And why are some people more prone to it than others? Let’s dive into the science behind this phenomenon and explore potential ways to prevent or alleviate the symptoms.

Quick Answer

Motion sickness is caused by a mismatch between the motion perceived by our eyes and the motion sensed by our inner ear. This sensory conflict can lead to symptoms like nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Understanding the Causes

Our sense of balance and spatial orientation relies on input from multiple systems in our body, primarily our eyes and our vestibular system in the inner ear. The vestibular system contains fluid-filled canals that detect motion and help us maintain equilibrium.

Problems arise when there’s a discrepancy between what we see and feel. For example, when reading a book in a moving car, your eyes focus on the stationary pages, but your inner ear senses the vehicle’s motion. This conflicting information can confuse your brain and trigger the symptoms of motion sickness.

Certain factors can make motion sickness more likely or severe:

  1. Unpredictable or irregular motion, like turbulence on an airplane or the rocking of a boat in choppy waters, is more likely to cause motion sickness than smooth, predictable motion.
  2. Visual stimuli that create the illusion of movement, such as watching a shaky video or playing a virtual reality game, can induce visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) even without physical motion.
  3. Individual susceptibility plays a significant role. Some people are more prone to motion sickness due to age, sex, and genetics. Women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation, tend to be more susceptible than men.

Preventing and Treating Motion Sickness

So, what can you do to prevent or alleviate motion sickness? Here are some strategies that may help:

  • Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines and anticholinergics can effectively prevent or reduce motion sickness symptoms. However, they can also cause side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth.
  • Behavioral techniques: Focusing on a stable visual reference point like the horizon can help reorient your senses and minimize sensory conflicts. Controlled breathing and relaxation techniques may also provide relief.
  • Nutritional approaches: Some people find that ginger, either in the form of ginger ale, capsules, or candied ginger, can help settle their stomach. Vitamin C and other supplements may also have potential benefits.

I’ve found that focusing on the horizon, sipping ginger ale, and taking deep breaths helps me manage my motion sickness on boats and long car rides. But everyone is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

The Bottom Line

Motion sickness is a complex phenomenon that arises from sensory conflicts and certain visual stimuli. While some people are more susceptible than others, various strategies and treatments are available to help prevent or alleviate the symptoms.

As someone who has struggled with motion sickness myself, I know how miserable it can be. But by understanding the underlying causes and experimenting with different prevention and treatment options, it is possible to make travel and other motion-intensive activities more enjoyable.

Do you have any personal tips or experiences with motion sickness? Please share them in the comments below! And remember, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.