Why Do Some People Get Motion Sickness – And What Really Helps?

You’re sitting in a moving car, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly you feel a wave of nausea, a cold sweat, and a dizzy spell that makes you want the ride to end immediately. That’s motion sickness. 

And if you’ve ever wondered why it happens or why it affects some people more than others, you’re not alone.

Despite the fact that cars, planes, and virtual reality headsets are relatively new, motion sickness is not. In fact, over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates already noticed how the sea could mess with the body. 

The word “nausea” even comes from naus, the Greek word for ship.But, what causes motion sickness, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

What’s really going on in your body?

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets confused by mixed messages. Imagine you’re reading a book in a moving car. Your eyes think you’re still, but your inner ears feel the motion of the car. 

Your brain, getting these clashing signals, doesn’t quite know how to react and the result is that awful sick feeling. This confusion mainly comes from the vestibular system, the part of your inner ear that helps you balance. 

When it gets overwhelmed by movement especially the kind that goes up and down or side to side, it sends signals that can lead to nausea, dizziness, sweating, or vomiting.

Interestingly, people with damage to this balance system often don’t get motion sickness at all.

Why some people get it (And Others Don’t)

Motion sickness doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people can ride rollercoasters all day, while others feel queasy just watching someone else on one.

Women tend to be more prone to motion sickness than men, and things like pregnancy or menstrual cycles can make symptoms worse. Kids between the ages of six and nine often get motion sick more easily, though many grow out of it later in life.

If you have conditions like migraines or vertigo, you’re also more likely to experience motion sickness.

Even where you sit in a vehicle matters. The driver because they know when the car is turning or stopping is less likely to feel sick than the passenger who’s not in control.

What makes it worse?

Not all rides are equal. Some types of motion especially the slow, bumpy kind are more likely to trigger motion sickness. 

That’s why people get queasy in boats rocking on waves, planes hitting turbulence, or cars stuck in traffic with lots of stops and starts.

Electric cars, for example, may cause more motion sickness in some people. Their quick acceleration and near-silent movement remove the usual cues our bodies use to sense motion, leading to even more confusion for the brain.

Even virtual reality headsets and video games can bring on “cybersickness”, a modern version of motion sickness caused by watching motion rather than actually feeling it.

How to feel better

The good news? There are ways to manage or even prevent motion sickness.

Here are some tips that may help:

Look outside: Focus on something stable, like the horizon or a distant building.

Sit in the front seat: The ride is usually smoother, and you can anticipate the car’s movements.

Avoid reading or using your phone: These can confuse your brain even more.

Drive if you can: Being in control of the vehicle helps your brain match the motion with the visual cues.

Try calming techniques: Deep breathing, light music, or just closing your eyes can help some people feel more grounded.

Are there any treatments?

Yes, both medical and natural options.

Over-the-counter meds: Antihistamines like Dramamine can ease symptoms, especially if taken before the journey begins.

Wristbands: Some people swear by pressure bands that target acupuncture points on the wrist.

Ginger: Whether as a tea, candy, or capsule, ginger is a common natural remedy for nausea, though the science is still mixed.

Prescription options: For more severe cases, doctors can prescribe patches or stronger meds, but these often come with side effects.

Note: Always ask a healthcare provider before giving anything to children, as not all treatments are safe for young ones.

Does it ever go away?

Sometimes! People can build tolerance over time through a process called habituation. Sailors, for instance, often feel less sick the more time they spend at sea.

Even though motion sickness is inconvenient, it might have once been helpful. Some scientists believe it’s our body’s way of warning us about potentially dangerous environments like unstable waters or unsafe heights.

So if you’re one of the many people who feel sick while traveling, remember: you’re not alone, it’s not “all in your head,” and there are ways to make it better.

And if all else fails? Keep some fresh air and ginger sweets nearby, you just might need them.