Seasickness is a common form of motion sickness that occurs when the brain receives contradictory signals from the inner ear and the eyes. The inner ear detects the movement and rolling of the boat, but the eyes may be focused on the static interior of a cabin. This sensory conflict triggers a response in the nervous system that often results in nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Preventing this discomfort relies on a combination of preventative aids, strategic positioning, and immediate symptom management.
Internal Aids and Natural Remedies
The most reliable preventative measures involve taking medication before you even step onto the boat. Over-the-counter antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are effective because they block the nerve signals that cause vomiting. For these oral medications to work, you must take them well in advance, typically 30 to 60 minutes before departure, to allow for proper absorption.
For more severe or prolonged voyages, prescription options such as the scopolamine patch are available. This patch is applied behind the ear about four hours before travel and can provide relief for up to three days. Many people also find relief with natural alternatives, especially ginger in capsule, lozenge, or raw form, which is recognized for its anti-nausea properties. Acupressure wristbands, which apply constant pressure to the P6 point on the inner wrist, are another drug-free method that helps neutralize the nausea impulse.
Strategic Positioning and Environmental Control
Where you position yourself on a vessel significantly affects the degree of motion you experience. The best place to minimize movement is mid-ship and on a lower deck, as this location is closest to the vessel’s center of gravity. The bow and the upper decks tend to exaggerate the pitching and rolling motions, making seasickness more likely.
A simple strategy is to fix your gaze upon a stable object, ideally the horizon. By visually confirming the boat’s motion with a fixed reference point, you help align the signals from your eyes and inner ear, resolving the sensory conflict. It is also important to seek fresh, cool air and avoid enclosed spaces like cabins or bathrooms. Confining yourself below deck removes the visual reference of the horizon and can worsen symptoms.
Immediate Steps for Symptom Relief
If you begin to feel the initial signs of queasiness, immediate action can prevent the progression to severe seasickness. The first step should be to find a spot where you can look out at the horizon, or if that is not possible, close your eyes and lie down to eliminate conflicting visual input. Keeping your head as still as possible and focusing on slow, steady breathing helps calm the nervous system.
Dietary choices are also important once symptoms start. Bland, easily digestible foods such as dry crackers, bread, or bananas can help settle a turbulent stomach. Sipping on clear, cold fluids like water or ginger ale is important to maintain hydration, especially if vomiting occurs. Conversely, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these substances can lead to dehydration and aggravate nausea. You must also resist the urge to read a book or look at a screen, as this forces your eyes to focus on a static object within a moving environment, intensifying the sensory mismatch.