What To Do If You Get Sea Sick
Seasickness is a kind of motion sickness that is caused by a ship’s motion. Your dream cruise trip can become your worst nightmare if you get seasick. You experience nausea, cold sweats, and dizziness when you become seasick.
Seasickness can be mild for some people, but for others, it can be quite incapacitating. According to Cruise Lines experts, seasickness is caused due to a vigilant physiological reaction between motion and body.
Find out what seasickness is and what to do if you find yourself seasick below!
Understanding the Culprits Of Sea Sickness & Motion Sickness
Before we dive into the remedies, let’s understand the primary culprits behind sea and motion sickness. These conditions arise due to a sensory conflict within the body. When the inner ear senses motion, but the eyes perceive a stable environment, the brain becomes confused, resulting in symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
What exactly is seasickness?
Sea sickness can be explained simply in the following terms:
When you are sitting in a ship’s cabin, your eyes see no movement, but you hear the ship move. Now, your eyes will send the no-movement signals to the brain, but on the other side, your ears will send movement signals to your brain. The result of this confusion is seasickness.
In addition to that, it has been repeatedly observed that if someone is prone to one kind of motion sickness while traveling in cars, trains, airplanes, etc., they might be susceptible to other forms of motion sicknesses as well.
Remedies and Solutions For Sea Sickness & Motion Sickness
1. Choose Your Seating Wisely
Selecting the right location on the boat can make a substantial difference in your comfort level. Opt for a seat with a clear view of the horizon. This helps your eyes and inner ear sync up, reducing the likelihood of sea sickness.
2. Light Meals and Hydration
Avoid heavy, greasy meals before your sea journey. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible foods like crackers or plain rice. Staying hydrated is crucial, but steer clear of excessive alcohol or caffeine, as they can exacerbate motion sickness.
3. Home Remedies for Sea Sickness
You can use ginger: brewed, candied, raw, or whatever kind you prefer. There are several other home remedies, but this one is preferred because it can casually be mixed with your diet on the cruise.
Do not try to swallow the pieces of raw ginger; it can cause blockage and can make your nausea more severe. If you are not a big fan of ginger’s flavor, you can use ginger capsules.
4. Change Your Point of Focus
You can divert your attention by simply looking at the horizon or watching the stationary objects around you. Both of these methods help your brain find a point of reference between what’s stationary and what’s moving.
5. Fresh Air Helps
It may seem unbelievable, but fresh air is also one of the best ways to cure seasickness. It helps in clearing your head. It is recommended to go to the highest point on the boat as you can. The more elevated you are, the fresher air you are breathing, thus lessening the chances of seasickness.
Over-the-Counter Solutions For Sea Sickness & Motion Sickness
If natural remedies aren’t sufficient, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)
Dramamine is a popular choice for preventing motion sickness. It comes in various forms, including tablets and non-drowsy formulas. Always adhere to the recommended dosage.
2. Meclizine
Meclizine is another over-the-counter medication known for causing less drowsiness compared to some alternatives. It can be effective in mitigating motion sickness symptoms.
Prescription Medications For Sea & Motion Sickness
For severe sea sickness concerns, consulting a healthcare professional may be necessary. They might prescribe medications like Scopolamine patches, which are effective at preventing motion sickness but should be used under medical supervision.
Alternative Approaches To Motion-Related Sickness
Some travelers find relief through alternative therapies, such as acupressure wristbands or ear patches. While scientific evidence on their effectiveness is mixed, they are worth exploring if traditional remedies and medications do not yield satisfactory results.
How long does ocean & sea sickness last?
The duration of ocean and sea sickness can vary from person to person. In most cases, symptoms tend to subside after the motion stops or up to 24 to 72 hours after the individual is no longer exposed to the motion that triggered the sickness.
However, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for a few days after their sea journey. It’s essential to take preventive measures and utilize remedies to minimize the duration and severity of sea sickness during your time at sea.
Get A Head Start On Sea Sickness!
Don’t let sea sickness or motion sickness hinder your ability to savor the beauty of the sea. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with these conditions and fully enjoy your time on the water.
Whether you’re planning a cruise, a fishing trip, or simply a day of relaxation, these remedies and strategies can make your maritime journey a more pleasant and memorable one.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for those in need of additional relief. Moreover, alternative approaches like acupressure wristbands offer potential solutions.