Motion sickness, or kinetosis, is a common reaction experienced during the high-speed, dynamic movements of a roller coaster. This condition arises when your body’s sensory inputs become confused by the unexpected and intense motion. These steps provide practical methods to minimize nausea and prevent vomiting for a more enjoyable ride experience.
The Science of Roller Coaster Nausea
The feeling of roller coaster nausea is the result of a sensory conflict within the brain. Your inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is a complex network of fluid-filled canals and sacs that sense motion, acceleration, and the position of your head in space. During a ride, this system correctly detects the rapid twists, drops, and speed changes.
However, your visual system may struggle to keep up with the chaotic motion. This mismatch between the movement sensed by your inner ear and the movement perceived by your eyes creates confusing signals sent to the brain. The brain interprets this sensory conflict as a sign of poisoning, leading to the protective response of nausea and vomiting.
Strategies Before Boarding
Preparing your body hours before you board the ride is the most proactive step in preventing kinetosis. Avoid consuming heavy, greasy, or acidic foods that are difficult to digest. Alcohol and excessive caffeine should also be avoided, as they contribute to dehydration and stomach upset, increasing the risk of nausea.
Over-the-counter medications are highly effective, but they must be timed correctly. Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or the less-drowsy meclizine are commonly used. These medications are most effective when taken 30 minutes to one hour before you anticipate the motion, allowing them time to be absorbed into your system.
A natural alternative is ginger, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of nausea. Many people find relief by taking a ginger supplement, typically around 1,000 mg, about an hour before riding. Maintaining proper hydration by drinking water throughout the day is also important, as dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness.
Techniques During the Ride
The choice of car can influence the intensity of the experience. The middle cars of a roller coaster train generally offer the smoothest and most stable ride, as they are less subjected to the extreme “whipping” forces felt in the front and back cars. Choosing a middle seat or a seat over the wheels can help minimize the jarring motions that trigger the inner ear.
Focusing your vision is a highly effective technique to restore sensory harmony. Fix your gaze on a stable, distant object, such as the horizon line, or a fixed point on the car immediately in front of you. This provides your brain with stable visual input that aligns with the motion sensed by your inner ear, reducing the sensory conflict. If the visual experience is too disorienting, closing your eyes completely eliminates the confusing visual signals.
Physical posture and breathing also help manage symptoms while the ride is in motion. Keep your head pressed firmly against the headrest to minimize unnecessary movement, which can overstimulate the vestibular system. Consciously practicing deep, slow, and controlled breathing can calm the nervous system and help manage rising feelings of anxiety and nausea.