What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is that queasy, off-balance feeling you get when your brain receives mixed signals from your eyes, inner ears, muscles, and joints during movement. It can strike in cars, boats, airplanes, or even amusement parks.
Let’s say you’re on a boat. Your eyes might be locked onto the cabin walls, which look still — but your body can feel the rocking motion. Here’s the twist: your ears play a huge role in this confusion. That's right! Your ears do more than just help you hear. Deep inside your inner ear is a system called the vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance and motion.
This system includes three semicircular canals that detect rotation in three dimensions, and two tiny fluid-filled sacs that sense vertical and horizontal movement. So when you're in motion, the fluid inside these structures shifts, sending signals to your brain about how you're moving.
But when what you see doesn’t match what your vestibular system feels, your brain gets confused — and that’s when motion sickness kicks in.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
It’s all about sensory mismatch. When your inner ear (which controls balance) senses movement, but your eyes say you’re sitting still — or vice versa — your brain gets conflicting messages. This confusion triggers motion sickness. Common triggers include:
- Visual conflicts – Like reading or looking at a phone while moving.
- Inner ear imbalance – Your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes may not see it.
- Unpleasant odors – Triggers like stuffy air, car plastic, fuel, or leather smells can make symptoms worse.
- Flying, boating, or amusement rides – Any environment where your senses send mixed messages.
- Virtual reality or fast-moving screens – The eyes register motion, but your body isn’t moving at all.
Common Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Everyone experiences motion sickness a little differently, but typical motion sickness symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Cold sweats
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Increased salivation
- Paleness of the skin
Basically, your body’s like "nope" and hits you with the full discomfort package.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t worry — there are ways to keep it in check. Here are some practical tips on how to stop motion sickness before it starts:
- Pick the right seat: Sit where there’s the least movement (front seat in cars, over the wing in planes, mid-ship on boats).
- Look at the horizon: Keeping your eyes on a stable point helps your brain sync up better.
- Get fresh air: Crack a window or step outside if possible.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make symptoms worse.
- Distraction helps – Listen to music, talk to people, or engage in light conversation to shift focus.
- Position your body properly – Sit upright and avoid slouching or lying flat during movement.
- Avoid reading or screens – These often worsen the disconnect between visual and physical motion.
- Eat light meals – Avoid greasy or heavy foods before or during travel.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness
Looking for how to get rid of motion sickness without medication? These natural remedies can help:
- Ginger: Whether it’s tea, capsules, or chews, ginger is a go-to for calming nausea.
- Peppermint: Sipping peppermint tea or using essential oil can help ease symptoms.
- Acupressure: Try sea bands or press the P6 point on your wrist for relief.
- Chamomile tea: It’s soothing and can help relax your stomach.
- OTC Medication: If natural remedies aren’t cutting it, otc motion sickness medicine can be a solid backup — especially for longer trips.
Many people swear by these options, especially if you’re trying to avoid medications.
When to See a Doctor About Motion Sickness
Most of the time, motion sickness is harmless and fades quickly. But if you’re experiencing it often, it lasts for hours after travel (how long does motion sickness last can vary), or it’s affecting your daily life, it might be time to check in with a healthcare provider. They can rule out other conditions like vertigo or inner ear disorders.
FAQs on Motion Sickness
Can motion sickness go away with age?
Yes! Many kids who get car sick grow out of it. Adults can also build up tolerance over time, though some people stay sensitive their whole lives.
Does ginger actually work for motion sickness?
Totally. Studies have shown ginger to be effective at reducing nausea — it’s one of the most recommended natural options out there.
Can you get motion sickness on a plane?
Absolutely. The turbulence, tight spaces, and inability to see the horizon can all contribute. Opt for a window seat near the wing and keep acid flowing if you’re prone to it.
Is motion sickness the same as vertigo?
Not quite. While both involve dizziness, vertigo feels like the room is spinning and is often tied to inner ear issues. Motion sickness is more about sensory conflict and nausea.