Sea sickness most commonly affects children (ages 2-12), pregnant or menstruating women, and migraine sufferers. [4] X Research source
Seasickness symptoms arise due to conflicting sensory information between the inner ear, eyes, and brain. [6] X Research source In essence, your brain thinks it’s moving more than it actually is. Sailing on large cruise ships doesn’t pose as many problems for people because of their relative lack of bobbing motion and use of automated stabilizers. To acclimate yourself aboard a cruise ship, it’s best to spend some time out on a lower deck, using the horizon as a point to maintain your equilibrium. Having a window to look out will also give you a view of the horizon point.
If you’re very sensitive to seasickness but enjoy cruising, then book only port-intensive cruises with lots of stops and fewer days on the rougher open seas. Consider reading prior to getting on a boat because it can make you drowsy and more prone to sleep. Sleeping on a boat, if that’s appropriate, can negate the effects of seasickness.
A new FDA-approved device for motion sickness, called the ReliefBand, uses a weak electrical current to stimulate the P6 point. [9] X Research source Alternatively, try simply stimulating the P6 point with your thumb when you begin to feel nauseous and see how it works. Clinical trials have yielded mixed results concerning the value of acupressure in general, so your results may differ significantly from others’.
Medicinally, ginger is most commonly taken as a capsule (dried), but eating it fresh or pickled works also. You can also eat ginger chews or candies or sip ginger tea. Take between 1 to 2 grams of ginger at least 30 minutes before boarding a boat in order to avoid or minimize nausea. Some studies suggest that ginger may be particularly effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and it is safer than many anti-nausea medications. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Non-sedating antihistamines appear to be less effective, and besides, you may actually want to sleep your time away while on a boat. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Promethazine causes the most sleepiness, whereas meclizine (also used to treat vertigo) is less sedating and can be taken as a single daily dose. These medications are most effective when taken prior to boarding a boat and less effective for symptom relief after the sea sickness has begun.
Common side effects of scopolamine are the same as those of antihistamines (drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and confusion). In rare cases, these medications can cause more severe side effects, such as hallucinations, paranoia, or eye problems. Talk to your doctor about your health history and any other medications you are currently taking, since this can affect whether anticholinergics are safe for you. Other prescription medications sometimes used to manage sea sickness include: antidopaminergics (promethazine and metoclopramide), amphetamines, and benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium).
If you are taking prescription medications, avoid mixing them with alcohol, particularly while on a boat. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can also worsen the effects of motion sickness.
