How to Avoid Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a neurological response to real or perceived movement that can lead to nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Motion sickness is common among travelers in planes, boats, trains and cars. It varies in severity from a minor inconvenience to an incapacitating ailment. Frequent exposure to motion may gradually alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. Infrequent travelers, or those who continue to experience motion sickness, can take steps to avoid or ease the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Neck pillow
• Over-the-counter medicine for motion sickness
• Over-the-counter antihistamine
• Doctor prescribed transdermal motion sickness patch

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose a seat with the possibility of motion sickness in mind. In a plane or train, sit closer to the front or over the wing of a plane for more stability. In a car, sit in the front seat. Keeping your head against the head rest is also beneficial. On a boat, sit facing the horizon near the front of the ship and opt for upper level cabins if staying overnight.

• 2

  Keep airflow fresh and the area well ventilated. Turn the air vents in a car or plane toward your face. On a boat, keep your cabin cool or go on deck if there is a breeze. Refrain from smoking.

• 3

  Eat and drink lightly prior to and during the trip. Avoid large and fatty meals, dairy, salty and spicy foods, and alcohol for about 24 hours before traveling. Stay hydrated.

• 4

  Avoid reading while moving. Reading confuses muscle receptors in the body and can bring on motion sickness.

• 5

  Look out the window and gaze at a distant focal point such as the horizon or a faraway building. Watching the moving scenery assures the brain that the body is in motion and can help you avoid symptoms of motion sickness.

• 6

  Learn relaxation techniques to deal with motion sickness symptoms associated with anxiety. Maintaining a slow, deep and steady breath may reduce symptoms, while rapid, shallow or even normal breathing can increase the intensity.

• 7

  Talk to your doctor about medications and herbs that can reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Homeopathic remedies or acupuncture may also be options. The treatments available to you may depend on your responsibilities while traveling.