Causes of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness happens when the brain gets mixed signals about movement. It is not an infection and not a sign of weakness.

What happens in the body

Movement is sensed by three systems: the inner ear (balance), the eyes and the body's position sensors in muscles and joints. When they disagree, the brain reacts with nausea, dizziness and sweating. Inside a car, the eyes see a still cabin while the inner ear feels the motion. On a ship, the opposite can occur.

Common situations

• Car, bus and train journeys, especially on winding roads or in the back seat
• Boats and ships, where it is also called seasickness
• Aeroplanes, mainly in turbulence
• Amusement rides and swings
• Virtual reality and video games, sometimes called cybersickness
• Reading or looking at a phone while travelling

Who is more likely to get it

• Children aged 2 to 12
• Women, especially during pregnancy and periods
• People with migraine
• People with inner-ear problems
• Those with a family history

What makes it worse

• Strong smells, smoking and stuffy air
• Heavy, oily or spicy meals before travel, or an empty stomach
• Anxiety, tiredness and dehydration
• Sitting facing backwards or with no view of the road ahead

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda links dizziness and nausea with aggravated Vata and Pitta. This is a traditional framework and not a medical diagnosis.

Key point

Motion sickness is a mismatch of signals. Most people get used to motion with time.

Remember

Most motion sickness is mild and passes once the movement stops. Plan ahead, stay hydrated and see a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a day.