“Seasickness is the result of a complex physiological reaction to motion,” says John Bradberry, MD, medical director for Carnival Cruise Lines. “It is a mismatch of information sent to the brain from the eyes, inner ear, and sensory nerves, such as in the feet.” Think of it this way: When you are inside a cabin on a ship, your eyes do not see movement, but the inner ear senses it. Your eyes are telling your brain there is no movement, while the inner ear is telling the brain there is. The result in some people is seasickness. You can get motion sickness from traveling in a car, airplane, train, or even in an amusement park ride. “People who are prone to one form of motion sickness tend to be more susceptible to other forms of it,” Bradberry says. Strategies to Prevent Motion Sickness Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of becoming seasick: Don’t let seasickness ruin a floating holiday. Planning ahead and being prepared with a variety of remedies should keep you feeling ship-shape. Learn more in the Everyday Health Digestive Health Center.
