Did you know that seasickness affects not only regular passengers but also professional marine travelers, such as seafarers and marine scientists? Working onboard a ship and being prone to seasickness does not sound ideal, but feeling seasick is more common than you think.
Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, is a form of nausea and discomfort experienced by some people while traveling by ship or boat. It is one category of motion sickness, which can occur to someone when traveling by car (carsick), airplane (airsick), or just on an amusement park ride. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to vomiting and extreme dizziness.
What causes seasickness?
Motion sickness usually occurs due to the movement of a vehicle and the human body’s inability to adjust to the changes in this movement. This happens when different body parts send conflicting information to the brain.
In addition, seasickness symptoms can get worse by strong odors associated with the ship trip, such as diesel fumes and fish.
For how long will I be seasick?
Seasickness usually occurs in the first 12-24 hours after the voyage begins, and goes away as soon as the body gets used to the ship’s motion. It is not very common for anyone to stay ill for longer unless the vessel encounters really rough waves.
3 random facts about motion sickness
- An estimated one in three people get motion sickness at some point.
- Women and children aged 2-12 are more likely to get motion sickness, but the condition can affect anyone.
- Family history of motion sickness increases your chances of getting seasick.
9 Key tips for managing seasickness
1. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated helps keep the body’s fluids balanced, which can help to prevent feelings of nausea. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep the body’s electrolytes in balance, reducing the severity of seasickness.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms of seasickness by causing dehydration, increasing feelings of nausea, and making you even dizzier. Alcohol can also increase sensitivity to motion and make you more susceptible to experiencing seasickness.
3. Stay on the deck: If possible, you should sit in the middle of the ship, which experiences the least amount of movement, providing a more stable environment. It is also helpful if you stay on the upper deck, where you will be in the fresh air. Direct air vents to blow toward you.
4. Eat bland foods to settle your stomach: Bland foods, such as crackers or toast, are low in fat and sugar, which can make nausea worse. In addition, research has proven ginger helps alleviate moderate cases of motion sickness. Studies have shown it to be as effective as Dramamine, but with fewer side effects.
5. Avoid reading or other activities that require focus: Reading can make seasickness worse because it can distract you from how your body is feeling, and therefore make it harder to recognize the early signs of seasickness. Additionally, the motion of the vessel combined with trying to focus on the text can deteriorate the symptoms.
6. Try relaxation techniques: The benefits of yoga or meditation for general well-being have been extensively discussed. Such techniques help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often the root causes of seasickness. They can also help calm the mind and body and distract the mind from the motion of the waves, which can reduce the symptoms of seasickness.
7. Get plenty of rest: Working as a seafarer does not make quality sleep always easy, but getting some good rest reduces fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety, factors which can make the symptoms of seasickness worse.
8. Medication can help: If you are a seafarer at sea for consecutive months, you cannot take medication every day. But in specific cases -such as in the first two days of the voyage or in case of extreme weather- taking anti-nausea medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine, may help you prevent seasickness. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional beforehand.
9. Wear an acupressure wristband: Available at most pharmacies, acupressure wristbands apply pressure to your wrists, which helps to stimulate the body’s natural anti-nausea and anti-vomiting reflex, thus reducing the symptoms of seasickness. The wristbands also help to prevent any further nausea or vomiting by helping to reduce stress and tension, which can be a major factor in seasickness.
And remember, recovery from seasickness is only a matter of time!
When should I ask for healthcare assistance?
You should consult your doctor if:
- You experience chronic, persistent nausea or vomiting.
- Your symptoms persist when you are not involved in a moving activity.
- You feel signs of dehydration.
