Motion sickness

condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system's sense of movement

Motion sickness, also known as seasickness, air sickness, car sickness and kinetosis, is a common ailment for certain people, both during transportation and amusement rides.

Disclaimer: This article gives general advice on motion sickness, not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Understand

Vulnerability to motion sickness varies between individuals. While infants tend to be immune, children aged 2 to 12 are the most sensitive (see travelling with children), and elderly people tend to be less affected.

Medication that prevents motion sickness can often be bought without prescription. Get it before the journey, if you or your companions are vulnerable or (for water transport) the weather forecast is bad. The effect of the medication may set in with quite some lag, and it is easier to prevent the sickness than to cure it.

Avoid excessive eating and alcoholic beverages before the journey. Get good sleep before leaving; jet lag can aggravate motion sickness. Have moderate amounts of water and food during the journey.

Motion sickness is cause by a mismatch between senses; in particular between vision and the sense of balance. Travelling at night, in severe weather (including fog) or in a confined space, tends to be worse than travelling in broad light with the outdoor environment well visible. On the other hand, lying down with closed eyes or, better yet, sleeping, prevents the mismatch and may work as prevention or cure.

Reading, and other activities where you focus your eyes on something close to you, can make it worse. If possible, keep close to a window, and keep eyesight on the outdoor environment. In a car, the view from the front seat (driver or passenger) may be more calming than the side view from the back seat. On a boat, try looking at the horizon.

See also

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