About motion sickness

Motion sickness is the general term used to describe the nausea symptoms caused by repeated movements when you’re travelling, such as going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat.¹

It can also occur on fairground rides, while playing video games² or using Virtual Reality headsets³.

Also known as cybersickness, VR motion sickness sufferers experience similar symptoms to those who suffer from travel sickness.

About travel sickness

Travel sickness is common, particularly in children⁴ and is caused by repeated movements when travelling whether its car, boat, plane or train.

It occurs when the inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing.¹ These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Symptoms can include a headache and nausea, feeling cold and going pale, sweating and feeling weak.⁴

About sea sickness

Alongside car sickness and air sickness, sea sickness is an unpleasant combination of symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting.² Sea sickness is said to be the most common form of motion sickness.⁵

Whether it’s a cruise ship or a boat it’s caused by the vessel moving up and down over the water, again sending those mixed messages from your eyes and inner ear to the brain.

About car sickness

Whether it’s a day out or a staycation, car sickness can really put a downer on a journey. As with other forms of travel sickness, car sickness is caused by the repeated movements of travelling.

Thankfully there are things you can do to prevent or relieve the symptoms and unlike being on water or in the air, you can stop for breaks for fresh air, refreshment and exercise.

Children aged three to 12 are most likely to suffer from travel sickness – and this often becomes apparent on car journeys – with most teenagers growing out of the condition.

About nausea

Nausea, or feeling sick, is one of the main motion sickness symptoms.⁴

And here’s an interesting fact for you; the word nausea is derived from the Greek word ‘naus’ which came from ‘nautical’ meaning a ship!

If you do feel sick while travelling fresh air may help as well as taking sips of a cold drink – some people find fizzy drinks work best.⁶ You could also try focussing on a stable object such as the horizon or closing your eyes.²