Around 33% of people experience some degree of motion sickness, while over 60% of people suffer in more extreme conditions. And even experienced travelers are not totally immune – about half of the astronauts in the US space program have suffered from space sickness. Women are more susceptible than men, especially if they are menstruating or pregnant.
Motion sickness is caused by the effects of motion – specifically the lack of coordination between what our eyes are seeing, what our ears are hearing and the signals reaching the brain. If you are sitting in a car or plane reading, your brain tells you that you are moving - but your eyes don’t communicate this. Motion-sickness is also known as kinetosis, or seasickness, carsickness or airsickness, depending on the mode of transportation. And it can also occur while playing certain video games or riding amusement park rides.
Motion-sickness isn’t dangerous, nor is the symptoms usually severe – many people just feel uncomfortable while traveling, while other people may suffer for days. The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness and nausea. Most people suffering from the sickness will vomit eventually – although unfortunately, that doesn’t really help to relieve the suffering.
Some simple but effective steps you can take to minimize the chances of experiencing the sickness while traveling are avoiding unpleasant odors, limiting your alcohol intake and avoiding rich foods. If you are in a car, try sitting in the passenger seat rather than the rear seat; on a boat, try standing on the deck and getting some fresh air. If you are flying, turn on the overhead air vent.
Various motion sickness cures are also available, including both over the counter and prescription medication. A motion sickness patch works in much the same way as a nicotine patch – a small patch is applied to the skin behind the ear, which delivers a dose of medication regularly for several days.
Patches usually contain scopolamine or another anticholinergic agent and work by preventing the balance center in the inner ear from communicating with the brain – thus preventing the mixed signals that cause motion-sickness. The patch shouldn’t be used by people who have difficulty urinating, have glaucoma or are pregnant; some possible side effects can include dry mouth, blurry vision and dilated pupils.
A motion sickness bracelet is an alternative to medication or patches and can be safely worn by anyone. Bracelets or wristbands are available without prescription as they don’t contain any chemicals or medication, and don’t have any side effects. They are also good for alleviating the effects of morning sickness as well.
There are two basic types of bracelet. One works by using acupressure technology which applies the correct amount of pressure to the P6 acupressure point on the underside of the wrist. The other type also works by acupressure, and contains a magnet – this type must be worn on both wrists. Both types of bracelet work by preventing the signals of nausea from reaching the brain, thus avoiding motion sickness.
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