Struggling with Travel Nausea? Experts Share Simple Tips to Ease Motion Sickness

For many, travel isn’t all smooth rides and scenic views—it often comes with the unpleasant companion of motion sickness. Marked by nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and general discomfort, it affects a substantial number of travelers, especially during road journeys, which are the most common mode of transport in India.

With a surge in domestic travel and expanding infrastructure, motion sickness is becoming an increasingly common concern. Experts emphasize that while there’s no universal remedy, a thoughtful combination of awareness, preventive habits, and timely medical intervention can significantly ease symptoms.

Why Does Motion Sickness Occur?

“Motion sickness results from a sensory mismatch—when the inner ear perceives movement but the eyes don’t,” explains Dr. Sudhir Kothari, senior neurologist and head of neurology at Poona Hospital. The inner ear’s vestibular system, which helps regulate balance, sends signals to the brain that conflict with what the eyes observe, especially when reading or looking down in a moving vehicle. This disconnect can trigger nausea, dizziness, and sweating.

How Widespread Is It?

Globally, about 30% of people experience motion sickness in some form, according to the Journal of Travel Medicine. In India, the number is even higher. A NIMHANS study found nearly 40% of Indians deal with this issue, with children, pregnant women, and migraine sufferers more likely to be affected.

How to Prevent and Manage Motion Sickness

The silver lining? There are several effective strategies to reduce or prevent the symptoms:

• Choose the Right Seat: Sitting in the front seat of a car or by the window on flights can help. Fixing your gaze on the horizon or another stable point may reduce disorientation.
• Watch What You Eat: Avoid sour or cold foods the day before and during travel, suggests Dr. Rajas Deshpande, head of neurology at Jupiter Hospital.
• Adjust Your Routine: Get proper rest, avoid alcohol, and manage stress before your trip. “Simple changes in lifestyle can significantly reduce discomfort,” adds Dr. Deshpande.
• Carry Medication: Over-the-counter options like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and prescription remedies such as scopolamine patches can be helpful—but only under medical supervision. It’s smart to keep these on hand during travel in case symptoms strike unexpectedly.

Emerging Therapies Show Promise

Innovative treatments are also being explored. Virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy and brain-training exercises are gaining traction. A 2022 Journal of Vestibular Research study found that gradual VR-based motion exposure helped reduce symptoms for many participants.

At AIIMS Delhi, researchers are experimenting with methods such as eye movement training and vestibular rehabilitation, which aim to retrain the body’s response to motion stimuli over time.

Although motion sickness can put a damper on travel plans, a combination of proactive habits, medical advice, and modern therapy techniques can make journeys far more comfortable. With a little planning, even frequent sufferers can look forward to smoother, more enjoyable trips.

Original reporting sourced of this article from The Times of India.