Experiencing motion sickness while traveling can be very uncomfortable, whether you’re in a car or on a boat.

Motion sickness is a widespread condition that often leads to feelings of nausea and dizziness, and some individuals tend to experience it more than others. Research suggests that about one in three people are particularly prone to this experience. Generally, motion sickness is not a serious health concern.

In order to delve deeper into the intricacies of motion sickness, YSL News consulted a medical professional to clarify what might cause this uncomfortable feeling.

What is motion sickness?

According to Dr. Susan Besser, MD, a family medicine specialist, motion sickness occurs when there is a disruption in the body’s balance center. This sensation often happens during travel, whether you’re on a swaying boat, in a moving car, or on an airplane, she explains.

Typical symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, tiredness, headaches, irritability, dizziness, sweating, and excessive salivation, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. A more severe symptom can be vomiting, as highlighted by Dr. Besser.

Generally, motion sickness does not lead to any “serious consequences,” as Dr. Besser points out. Once the motion stops, your body’s balance system returns to normal.

What leads to motion sickness?

The balance system in your body is influenced by three sensory systems: the visual field, the vestibular system, and the proprioceptive (nerve) system, according to The University of Kansas Health system.

The vestibular system, which is crucial, consists of semicircular canals in your inner ear, explains Dr. Besser. These canals contain fluid and can detect the direction of head movement.

To maintain stability, these three systems send signals to the brain. When these signals are not aligned, the brain receives mixed messages, as Dr. Besser elaborates.

For example, if you’re in a car and are looking down at your phone, your eyes perceive stillness while your vestibular system detects motion, according to WebMD. This mismatch can result in feelings of motion sickness.

Why are some people more affected by motion sickness than others?

Multiple factors contribute to why some individuals are more likely to suffer from motion sickness.

Existing medical conditions, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Parkinson’s disease, can increase an individual’s susceptibility to motion sickness, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Children aged between 2 and 12 are generally more inclined to feel motion sickness compared to adults, per the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, individuals over 50 years old tend to be less susceptible to it, as reported by the CDC.

Furthermore, factors like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, and the use of oral contraceptives can also heighten the risk of motion sickness, according to the CDC.