By Atunlute Isaac
For Nancy, travelling always came with a distress. Although she enjoyed watching the countryside landscape, the feeling of motion filled her with nausea and left her feeling uneasy.
Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a disorder that afflicts millions of people worldwide. Studies show that 1 in 3 persons is highly susceptible to it.
More often than not, it occurs when the body receives conflicting cues from the sensory system, including the inner ear, eyes and sensory nerves. This sensory mismatch can trigger a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to nausea and vomiting.
Understand the causes.
Factors that triggers motion sickness includes;
- Conflicting sensory signs: it can be confusing and disorienting when the body receives mixed signals..
- Inner ear problem: Issues with the inner ear, such as vertigo or labyrinthitis, can increase the risk of motion sickness.
- Genetic susceptibility: some people may be more vulnerable to motion sickness due to their genetic profile.
Effective strategies to beat motion sickness.
Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help combat motion sickness.
- Opt for a good seat: Choosing the front seats or the middle seat of the vehicle can reduce the possibility of motion sickness.
- Keep your eyes on the horizon: staring at the horizon or gazing at a particular point in the distance can help your body get a sense of the motion and reduce tension on your senses.
- Stay hydrated: taking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration, which can intensify motion sickness.
- Avoid heavy meals: eating light, balanced meals while going on a trip can help reduce the risk of motion sickness.
- Munch on a snack: eating a snack like a cracker can keep your mind distracted.
- Explore natural remedies: ginger, peppermint oil, acupressure bands, and other natural remedies have shown their effectiveness in curbing motion sickness.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be effective against motion sickness.
Additional tips.
- Adjust yourself: gradually exposing yourself to the motion can help your body adjust.
- Distractions: Reading a novel, playing some music or listening to a podcast can distract your mind.
- Avoid screens: looking at your screen can aggravate the feeling.
Easy to deal with.
Motion sickness is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to ruin your travel experience. By understanding the causes and following the effective strategies, you can reduce the risk of motion sickness and enjoy your trip.
Whether you’re travelling by air, boat or car, a little preparation can dispel that sick feeling and allow you find some delight in your trip.
Motion sickness, or travel sickness, affects millions globally, with 1 in 3 individuals being particularly prone to it. It results from conflicting signals between the sensory systems—inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves—leading to symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to nausea and vomiting. Contributing factors include conflicting sensory information, inner ear issues, and genetic susceptibility.
To combat motion sickness, specific strategies can be effective: choosing front or middle seats, focusing on the horizon, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals. Consuming light snacks, trying natural remedies like ginger or peppermint, and using medications can also help. Additional tips include gradually acclimating to motion, seeking distractions like music, avoiding screens, and using acupressure bands.
Motion sickness is common but manageable. By understanding its causes and employing these strategies, travelers can minimize discomfort and enjoy their journeys, regardless of the mode of transport. With some preparation, the negative effects of motion sickness can be significantly reduced, making travel more enjoyable.
