Combating Motion Sickness

7 effective strategies for dealing with motion sickness in cars:

An estimated one in three people are highly susceptible to motion sickness – though it is most common in children aged 2-12, tends to run in families, affects women more than men and is more likely to affect you if you already suffer from migraines or have morning sickness.

The problem is thought to be related to the brain receiving conflicting information from the inner ear (which senses motion) and your senses (which think you are sitting still). Why some people suffer from it and some don’t remains a mystery.

What we do know is that it is no fun for anyone. So what can you do to prevent it? Or make it go away? Here are seven ideas.

1. Be the driver

Carsickness tends to affect passengers, not drivers. This is probably because drivers are more engaged with the car’s movement and better at anticipating the motion of a vehicle

 and adjusting their bodies accordingly. So if you’re prone to car sickness, and you can drive, hop in the driver’s seat.
The next best thing to being the driver – and having a view of everything coming up – is being in the passenger seat. So if you’re carsick-prone passenger is old enough to sit up front, let them. And if a carsick person must sit in the back, at least make sure they’re not facing backwards, which can be confusing for our poor brains.

2. Stay off devices

Reducing sensory input can help. Looking at a phone (or reading a book) can increase the mismatch of information that your senses and your inner ear are providing. So instead of staring at a device, look out the window at the horizon – just as you would be advised if you were seasick on a boat.

3. Take the highway

Studies have shown that lateral and unpredictable movement can make car sickness worse. Instead of slaloming through those winding country lanes, take the highway, and drive smoothly. A carsick-prone passenger might also benefit from resting their head on a pillow to minimise movement.

4. Get some air

Crank open a window. If you’re nauseous, life can feel a lot better with cool, fresh air on your face.

5. Eat lightly

Convincing your child to have 'a small, bland snack' (such as plain crackers) before or during your trip may not be the easiest sell, but it could make all the difference. Big meals before or during a trip are not recommended – and neither is an empty stomach. Adults prone to carsickness might also want to avoid alcohol before and during a car trip; water is all you need.

6. Create a distraction

Don’t let kids (or adults, for that matter) dwell on the prospect of getting car sick. Anxiety can make things worse. Creating a distraction – such as listening to music or an audiobook or podcast, playing games, or singing songs – may be all it takes to keep carsickness at bay.

7. Try remedies

Some people swear by eating ginger, chewing gum, wearing an acupressure band or using controlled breathing to prevent carsickness. If all else fails, you might want to consider medicines

 such as antihistamines. Have a chat with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they’re suitable for the person taking them.