Key Points at a Glance:
- Seasickness can strike suddenly
- Those affected often suffer from dizziness and vomiting
- Looking toward the horizon—as well as taking medication—can help combat seasickness.
A boat trip—or even a multi-day boating or sailing trip—is the ultimate dream for many, but for just as many, it’s a real nightmare. Those who suffer from so-called “seasickness,” which can cause nausea and vomiting, do not willingly set foot on a boat or ship. When people think of seasickness, many immediately picture people leaning over the railing.
Conflicting Information in the Brain
With seasickness, the various sensory inputs conflict with one another as the brain processes them. When the brain perceives movement (e.g., rocking back and forth), the vomiting center in the brain is stimulated accordingly. This effect is intensified when you’re sitting in an enclosed space below deck. You’re sitting still, and the walls of the enclosed space appear straight, yet there are these constant rocking motions. And that’s exactly what gives the brain conflicting information that it cannot process. Seasickness usually begins with fatigue, headaches, and frequent yawning. This is then compounded by classic symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting.
Seasickness can affect anyone
In principle, anyone can get seasick, even if they haven't had any problems on previous trips out on the water. Often, after a few hours or days at sea, the body and brain adjust to this condition, and the discomfort goes away on its own.
However, there are also steps you can take to help alleviate seasickness. Below, we’d like to share what we consider to be the most important tips:
- Since the brain has a hard time processing various sensory impressions—especially in enclosed spaces—it’s recommended that if you feel unwell, you stay on deck rather than below deck. And be sure to keep your gaze fixed on the horizon. Lying flat, closing your eyes, or turning off the lights can help prevent seasickness.
- Make sure your stomach isn't empty—but also not too full. Stick to light snacks.
- Pills available at pharmacies can help relieve vomiting.
- The so-called “Sea-Band,” an acupressure band that is worn around the wrists, can help relieve dizziness and nausea.
Seasickness is often triggered only by rough seas and is rarely experienced when the seas are calm or barely choppy.
Going Ashore—The Other Kind of Seasickness
When you return to land after a few hours or days at sea, many people suffer from what’s known as “land sickness.” Even though you’re on land, you feel as if you’re still rocking. Although this is a rather unpleasant sensation, it, too, goes away on its own after a few hours.
