Health

Unlocking the Mystery of Motion Sickness: Why Some Are Affected More Than Others

2025-05-19

Author: Chun

Ever Wondered Why You Get Car Sick But Your Friends Don’t?

Imagine the scenario: You're in the backseat, desperately trying to read an email, when nausea hits you like a rogue wave. Meanwhile, your boyfriend is blissfully scrolling through news articles, completely unfazed. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone—about one in three people experience intense motion sickness, especially when they’re not behind the wheel.

What Exactly Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness isn’t just limited to car rides; it encompasses various forms of travel sickness, including sea sickness and air sickness. According to Dr. John Golding, a professor of applied psychology, it can even occur while watching a film, a phenomenon dubbed 'visually induced motion sickness'—think about the audience at the Lumière brothers' first movie screening in 1895.

The Science Behind the Symptoms

So, why does motion sickness happen? Experts believe in the 'sensory conflict theory.' Our brain uses inputs from our eyes, inner ear, and body awareness to track our movement. When these signals clash—like reading a still phone while your inner ear senses motion—it leads to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and even vomiting, as explained by Dr. Safia Debar from Mayo Clinic.

Why Does It Happen to Some More Than Others?

Ever wonder why some people can read endlessly without feeling sick? Age plays a role; kids are more prone to motion sickness, but it can also be influenced by gender and genetics. Research shows that individuals assigned female at birth tend to be more susceptible, although experts are still uncovering the reasons behind this.

Another factor is how quickly one adapts to new movements. As Dr. Thomas A. Stoffregen notes, 'Some people are naturally coordinated, while others struggle.' Don’t fret—this isn’t a reflection of your strength of character!

Can You Reduce the Nausea?

Fortunately, there are effective ways to combat motion sickness. Behavioral strategies include sitting in the front seat, keeping your eyes on the horizon, and avoiding reading. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties, which could help too.

Moreover, experts recommend mimicking the driver’s movements. Drivers adapt to the car’s motions ahead of time, thus sidestepping nausea.

For those seeking pharmacological solutions, over-the-counter anti-nausea medications can be beneficial, though they may induce drowsiness. Transdermal patches, such as Scopolamine, work for up to three days but need time to take effect. Timing is crucial: taking meds before feeling sick is essential for them to work effectively.

The Final Word

Habituation—doing the activity repeatedly until your body adjusts—can be the most effective long-term solution, though it’s time-consuming. In the end, remember: you can always ‘vote with your feet’ and avoid scenarios that trigger your motion sickness.

Whether you’re headed to a distant location or just a quick trip, understanding the intricacies of motion sickness can help turn that queasy backseat experience into a more pleasant journey.