Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the sensory organs in the body.
These organs are constantly collecting messages from the outside world and transmitting them to the inner ear, which organizes these messages and sends them to the brain. When there is a discrepancy between the messages received by the inner ear and those received by the eyes, the symptoms of seasickness occur.
The vestibule of the inner ear senses changes in the body's position and sends messages to the brain, allowing the brain to understand the body's movement. However, the eyes also play a significant role in determining body movement.
After the eyes collect visual information, the brain compares it to the information collected by the sensory receptors in the body's skin, muscles, and joints. When the sensory signals are consistent, the brain can accurately judge the body's movement. However, when the signals are contradictory, the brain becomes confused, resulting in the symptoms of seasickness.
Nausea is a common symptom of seasickness, but the earliest symptoms are anxiety, confusion, and panic. Eventually, the person may feel sick to their stomach and vomit. Smoking and drinking alcohol do not relieve seasickness symptoms.
Cigarettes can worsen nausea, while alcohol can paralyze the regulation of nerves, making the symptoms of dizziness worse.
In addition to objective factors such as the movement of the ship, the poor physical condition can also contribute to seasickness. It is important for people experiencing seasickness to get enough rest and avoid becoming overly fatigued, which can exacerbate symptoms.
When experiencing seasickness, the first thing to do is to rest with good air circulation and avoid areas with strong odors such as fish or cigarette smoke.
Seasickness is a common problem that affects many people when traveling on boats or ships. It is caused by conflicting messages received by the brain from the sensory organs in the body.
By understanding the causes and symptoms of seasickness, people can take steps to manage their symptoms and enjoy their time on the water.
There are several ways to prevent or manage seasickness. One of the most effective methods is to take medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of nausea and dizziness. These medications can be taken before or during the trip and can help prevent seasickness or reduce its severity.
Another method is to avoid reading or staring at screens while on the boat, as this can exacerbate the symptoms of seasickness. It can also be helpful to stay hydrated and eat light, bland meals before and during the trip.
Additionally, focusing on a fixed point on the horizon can help the brain adjust to the movement of the boat, reducing the likelihood of seasickness.
It's worth noting that some people are more prone to seasickness than others. Women, for example, are more likely to experience seasickness than men, as are individuals with a history of migraines or other types of motion sickness.
Children are also more susceptible to seasickness, although they often outgrow this sensitivity as they age.
While seasickness can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, it is typically not a serious health concern and usually resolves once the person is back on solid ground. However, in rare cases, severe seasickness can lead to dehydration or other complications, so it's important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.