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Seasickness
What causes seasickness?
The National Ocean Service
Seasickness results from a conflict in
the inner ear and the erratic motion of a vessel.
One of
the least pleasant aspects of going to sea is the possibility of getting
seasick.
An
individual's susceptibility to seasickness is highly variable.
If
you've ever had motion sickness when traveling by car, plane, or amusement park
ride, you may be more susceptible to seasickness while aboard a vessel.
Seasickness
is a result of a conflict in the inner ear, where the human balance mechanism
resides, and is caused by a vessel’s erratic motion on the water.
Inside
the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the inner ear detects changes in both
up-and-down and side-to-side acceleration as one’s body bobs along with the
boat.
But,
since the cabin moves with the passenger, one’s eyes register a relatively
stable scene.
Agitated
by this perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of
stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea, vomiting, and
vertigo.
Additionally,
an affected person’s symptoms can be magnified by the strong odors of things
like diesel fumes and fish.
Seasickness
usually occurs in the first 12 to 24 hours after “setting sail,” and dissipates
once the body acclimates to the ship's motion.
It’s
rare for anyone to get or stay ill beyond the first couple of days at sea — unless
the vessel encounters really rough waves.
If you
do get seasick, take comfort in the fact that recovery is only a matter of
time, and the survival rate is 100 percent!
Sensible
eating, good hydration, and some patience are all that are usually required to
get past a bout of seasickness.
Here
are a few tips to help ease the symptoms of seasickness:
· Maintain your fluid intake. Seasickness and related medications
cause dehydration and headaches. Drink water, low-acidity juices like apple and
carrot, or clear soup, and avoid milk and coffee.
· Keep moving. Most people find that being busy keeps their minds
off their discomfort.
· Stay on deck, even if it’s raining, because the fresh air is
often enough to speed recovery. The closed-in quarters below deck magnify the
vessel’s motion and worsen symptoms.
· Carry a plastic bag. This simple approach allows for peace of
mind by eliminating some of the panic of getting seasick. If you have to vomit
"over the side,” though, check the direction of the wind and waves. Staying leeward (the side of the
ship that’s sheltered from the wind) will ensure that an unpleasant experience
doesn’t get even worse.
· Consider an over-the-counter medication to prevent or minimize
motion sickness. A dose is usually recommended about an hour prior to setting
sail, and as needed at sea. These medications tend to be dehydrating, though,
so drink plenty of water.
.
And don’t be embarrassed for getting seasick. Many people do — including seasoned travelers, professional fishers, sailors, and marine scientists.
.
And don’t be embarrassed for getting seasick. Many people do — including seasoned travelers, professional fishers, sailors, and marine scientists.
The National Ocean Service provides data, tools, and services that support coastal economies and their contribution to the national economy.
Our
mission is to provide science-based solutions through collaborative
partnerships to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures
on our ocean and coasts.
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A large wave towering astern of the NOAA Ship Delaware II in 2005 while crossing the Atlantic Ocean's New England Seamount Chain.
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