
Motion sickness is a common response to movement. It occurs when the body, eyes and inner ear, which contain sensory organs for balance, send different messages to the brain at the same time. Symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache and fatigue, among other things. If you are prone to motion sickness when traveling in a moving vehicle, there are steps you can take to help avoid it.
General Motion Sickness Prevention
- Avoid large meals or foods high in fat before traveling. Eat only light meals for 24 hours before travel.
- Drink plenty of water in preparation for your trip to ensure that your body is well hydrated.
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol before and during travel.
- Take an over-the-counter anti-nausea medicine before getting into the vehicle.
- See your doctor if other attempts at avoiding motion sickness fail. There are several prescription medications available that help to prevent motion sickness.
Prevent Motion Sickness in a Car
- Sit in the front seat of the car where you can look straight ahead at the windshield. This allows your eyes to send the same message to your brain that your body is sending, which is that you are moving forward.
- Focus on the horizon in front of you to help your eyes send the appropriate forward motion signal to your brain. Do not read or do any other activities while riding in the car.
- Lean back in the seat and rest your head to prevent it from moving around while you ride.
- Open the car window or direct the air vents toward your face. Fresh air can help to prevent motion sickness symptoms.
Prevent Motion Sickness on a Plane
- Avoid salty foods and dairy products before traveling on an airplane. These foods increase the chance of motion sickness.
- Sit as close to the front of the airplane as possible, or sit near one of the wings.
- Turn the fresh air vents towards your face.
- Pinch your nose and blow air out through your pinched nose to clear your inner ears.
Prevent Motion Sickness on a Boat
- Choose a cabin on the upper deck and as close to the front of the boat as possible.
- Focus straight ahead at the horizon. If land is visible, focusing on it can be helpful.
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