Have you ever wondered why some people suffer from motion sickness while others don’t? It’s a mysterious and unpredictable phenomenon that can leave you feeling miserable. But fear not, there are answers!
Who gets motion sickness?
There’s nothing worse than experiencing motion sickness while traveling with someone who seems completely unaffected. While you’re desperately trying every folk remedy to keep from getting sick, they’re sitting in the backseat, reading a book, and looking as comfortable as can be. It’s enough to make you wonder what’s going on.
The truth is, motion sickness affects people differently, and there isn’t a single reason why some people are more prone to it than others. According to Saima Rajasingam, a lecturer in audiology at Anglia Ruskin University, motion sickness is a complex issue with no easy explanation.
While we know that motion sickness is more common in women and tends to peak around the ages of nine or ten, the exact reasons for these patterns remain uncertain. However, genetics may play a role, as studies have identified 35 genetic variants associated with motion sickness.
Motion sickness can also be linked to other disorders, such as migraines and inner ear problems. It seems that some of us are simply wired to be more sensitive to motion than others.
What causes motion sickness?
There are two main explanations for motion sickness. The first is that our bodies become confused by conflicting sensory information. Our eyes, muscles, and inner ears all provide input to our balance center in the brain, but when these sources of information don’t align, we experience motion sickness.
For example, when we’re in a plane, our eyes and muscles may tell us that we’re sitting still, while our inner ear senses the movement. This sensory mismatch can trigger motion sickness. The less sensory mismatch we experience, such as when traveling on a smooth road, the less likely we are to feel sick.
The second explanation focuses on our posture and how our bodies move. Each person has a unique way of making small movements, and these movements can differ between men and women. If our bodies’ movements don’t align with what we expect, it can lead to motion sickness.
For instance, when on a rolling ship, our bodies’ micro-movements that usually keep us upright are fighting against the unpredictable environment. This mismatch between expected and actual movement can cause motion sickness.
While these explanations shed some light on the causes of motion sickness, there is still much we don’t fully understand. However, there are ways to cope with motion sickness.
How to cope with motion sickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms. One approach is to reduce uncontrolled movement by sitting in a stable position and anchoring your head to a headrest. Medications like Dramamine can also help stabilize the body and reduce motion sickness.
Additionally, minimizing sensory mismatch by avoiding large movements and prolonged exposure to motion can be beneficial. Focusing on the horizon and mimicking the movements of a driver can also help alleviate symptoms.
Remember, motion sickness tends to improve over time, both within a single journey and as you age. So, even if you’re feeling sick now, there’s hope that it will pass.
While these tips may provide relief, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
