Prevent motion sickness from getting the best of you.
Getting seasick during boat rides can take the fun out of the equation. As one of the leading providers of bowrider charter boat rentals, our captains here at Bay Excursions have seen their fair share of passengers experiencing seasickness.
The waves and the boat’s movement can make someone feel sick to their stomach. Worry not! There are things you can do to manage motion sickness. Find out what it is, how long it lasts, and more.
What Is Seasickness?
“What is seasickness?” you may be wondering. The general term for this condition is motion sickness, and it occurs when there’s a disturbance in the balance in your inner ear.
It can happen during:
- Car rides
- Roller coaster rides
- Boat rides
- Airplane rides
- 3D movies
- Virtual reality
In some cases, others may become nauseous and even vomit. People prone to getting seasick are pregnant, menstruating, experiencing migraines, receiving hormone therapy, or children aged two to twelve years.
There are also risk factors that make someone more susceptible to motion sickness, including:
- Exposure to fumes or smoke
- Insufficient ventilation
- Anxiety, or fear of traveling, getting seasick
- Certain medications such as antidepressants, narcotics, asthma medicine, and antibiotics
If you suffer from motion sickness, this guide will answer all your questions about this condition.
Why Motion Sickness Happens and Its Symptoms
The brain detects movement from signals sent from your muscles, joints, eyes, and ears. Many believe that motion sickness happens when signals from different parts of the body provide different information.
So, if your eyes send signals that you’re in a stationary car, but your ears say otherwise, it means that there’s a sensory mismatch, which researchers believe triggers feelings of motion sickness.
Now that we’ve answered the question, what is seasickness and why it happens, let’s find out its symptoms. Here are some signs you’re suffering from motion sickness:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Hyperventilation
- Increased saliva production
- Mild abdominal discomfort
How Long Does Seasickness Last?
Next on our guide is the question, “how long does seasickness last?” According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, all the symptoms of motion sickness go away within four hours after the motion has stopped. In most cases, people with motion sickness don’t outgrow this condition. Symptoms in adults may be less severe.
What To Do for Seasickness: Tips and Medications
Tips
If you feel like motion sickness is kicking in, there are a few things you can do to manage it, including the following:
Tip #1: Be In Control.
It’s more common to get seasick when you’re not the one driving the boat. If you have a boat captain, try sitting in the front and looking far ahead and avoid looking down on your phone or reading a book. This will help your sensory cues match up and lower the chances of experiencing symptoms of motion sickness.
Tip #2: Pick a Good Spot on the Boat.
If you don’t know what to do for seasickness, try picking a spot with minimal disturbance. You can ask the boat captain for recommendations. If someone else has motion sickness, stay away from them; hearing their complaints about it or its symptoms may trigger you.
Tip #3: Avoid Certain Foods.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, and consuming food and drinks that may fill your stomach. Foods that have strong odors or are spicy may make your motion sickness worse.
Tip #4: Convince Yourself.
Convincing yourself that you’re not seasick may work for you. According to an experimental study in 2013, verbal suggestions combined with a conditioning procedure effectively minimize symptoms of motion sickness.
Tip #5: Desensitize Yourself.
Exposing yourself to activities that trigger motion sickness may reduce or even cure it. Start by engaging in an activity for short periods and gradually increasing the time you spend on it. Doing this for a while may help your body be familiar with it.
Seasickness Medications and Remedies
Next up are medications — either over-the-counter, doctor-prescribed, or natural remedies.
Seasickness Medication #1: Raw Ginger
This remedy has been used long before and is said to be effective in fighting nausea. However, this also acts as a blood thinner. It is best to talk to your doctor before using it.
Seasickness Medication #2: Mint
Consuming peppermint is said to calm the body. Its scent may provide you with soothing effects.
Seasickness Medication #3: Scopolamine (Maldemar)
This prescription drug comes in the form of a patch. You’ll have to put it behind your ear. Put it on for four hours before your boat ride. Its effects can last for three days.
Seasickness Medication #4: Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
This over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies also helps manage motion sickness. Take the first dose an hour before the activity. Take another one every 4-6 hours.
How To Prevent Getting Seasick?
Aside from medications, there are a few things you can do to prepare before the activity. Follow these tips to enjoy your boat adventure:
1. Rest Well
Before your getaway, make sure you get enough rest and get a full night’s sleep. Exhaustion and lack of sleep may trigger motion sickness.
2. Breathe In, Breathe Out
Focus on your breathing. Look at the horizon and feel your surroundings. Doing these may help your sensory cues match.
3. Wear Acupressure Wristbands
This is also known as a Sea-Band. Some people say wearing one helps prevent nausea by applying pressure on a specific part of your wrist. You can buy one at a pharmacy or online.
Climb Aboard Bay Excursions!
Now that you know the answer to “what is seasickness?”, its symptoms, causes, and medications, you’ll have a more enjoyable time in the water.
Bay Excursions offers affordable Clearwater Beach, FL, boat tours. We have 2-,4-,6-,8-hour rental packages available. Our rental prices range from $299 to $799, which includes the following:
- Ice Cooler
- Stereo with Bluetooth
- Real-Time Safety GPS Tracking
- Life Vests
- Garmin Satellite Chart Plotter
Our boats seat up to 6 people. You’ll also have a seasoned boat captain on your trip. What are you waiting for? Book with Bay Excursions today!
