What is Seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness caused by a repeated motion, such as the swell of the sea, the movement of a car or the motion of a vehicle. It is known to cause nausea, vomiting and vertigo, and can be very hard the affected.

Caused by a disturbance in the inner ear, seasickness can happen in calm water as well as big swells. Symptoms appear when the nervous system (brain) receives conflicting messages from the inner ear, eyes, skin pressure receptors and muscle and join sensory receptors (all of which are used to help you balance and have spatial orientation). This conflict can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, short breathe, and even drowsiness, also known as motion sickness.

Seasickness is what we call motion sickness that is caused when someone is affected by the motion of the sea. People can get all different kinds of motion sickness, caused by different types of movement. Seasickness can go from moderate to severe, sometimes ceasing as soon as a person get back on land, or if it’s really bad, lasting for several days after the trip is over. Some people may only experience a little discomfort while others will experience headaches and vomiting.

Who is at risk?

• Women are more susceptible than men
• Children are at a higher risk than adults
• Pregnant women, due to hormonal imbalances
• Those with balance disorders
• Older adults

Tips to avoid seasickness

• Move your head as little as possible
• Eat and drink as little as possible before a trip
• If on a longer trip, eat sparingly, and be sure to not overeat
• Avoid alcohol before trips
• Stay in the fresh air
• Take tablets before travel if you think you may get seasick (always read the labels)
• Travel on bigger boats as opposed to smaller ones where possible
• Use Sea-Bands

If you do get sick:

• Drink ginger infused tea
• Focus on the horizon to try and re-align the senses
• Get some fresh air
• Nap

Not everyone gets motion sick, but for those of us that do, it can be really debilitating. If you think you’re at risk, check with your doctor or chemist to find out which solution is right for you before you take to the seas.