Do you sometimes dread a vacation or trip that you would otherwise look forward to because of the discomfort and embarrassment of being afflicted with motion sickness? Understanding your symptoms of motion sickness and trying new things will help you discover ways to prevent this problem and learn to enjoy traveling without reservation. Some information regarding motion sickness follows, as well as some suggestions to help you succeed on your quest for relief.
Whether by Land or by Sea . . . Motion Sickness can Develop
Do you sometimes dread a vacation or trip that you would otherwise look forward to because of the discomfort and embarrassment of being afflicted with motion sickness? Whether you are planning on air travel, cruise travel, train travel, or a trip to the amusement park, preparation can be stressful enough without the added concern of motion sickness. Understanding your symptoms of motion sickness and trying new things will help you discover ways to prevent this problem and learn to enjoy traveling without reservation.
Why are Some People Afflicted with Motion Sickness?
Anyone can develop motion sickness as a result of travel or travel-like movement. When you become motion sick, the motion you experience causes differing sensations in your body that send confusing messages to your brain. Your brain receives conflicting information as a result of the movement, visual stimulation, and sense of balance that your body experiences. For example, when your eyes send one sense of motion to your brain, but your inner ear sends another, the result is often motion sickness.
Common Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Nausea and/or vomiting
Headache
Sweating
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Other general discomfort
Coping with Motion Sickness
Two basic coping strategies that most motion sickness sufferers are familiar with are:
Recovery
Many sufferers cope by developing habits to help them deal with the aftermath of motion sickness. For example, you may immediately check the back of the seat in front of you for a vomit bag after boarding an airplane.
Prevention
Many sufferers cope by changing their lifestyle to limit opportunities for the development of motion sickness. For example, you may avoid various kinds of travel and never brave amusement park rides. Many sufferers also experiment with different strategies to prevent or minimize the symptoms of motion sickness. Some of these preventative strategies are further discussed below.