Motion sickness is one of the most common problems in medicine, referred to as “motion sickness.” When we encounter a type of motion we are not accustomed to, the balance organ located in the inner ear sends signals to the brain and brainstem. The centers in the brainstem, which happen to be adjacent to the vomiting and nausea centers, are indirectly affected by these signals, and the most bothersome aspect of the problem—nausea and vomiting—arises in this way.
As you all know, vision also plays a significant role in balance. Situations where vision is restricted, such as enclosed spaces, inside cabins or corridors, or nighttime navigation in the dark, exacerbate the issue. This is why going out on deck and looking at the horizon is beneficial. The eyes perceive movement and suppress other inner ear signals in the brainstem.
Another benefit of going out on deck is to block other stimuli that can cause nausea, such as bad odors. Keeping your cabin clean during a storm is not just a matter of hygiene. Women in particular do not want the smell of fuel, which is carried around by the closed ventilation system and windows, to be added to the air inside.
The spoilage of food and a full stomach also have the same effect.
Reading books or solving puzzles that keep your eyes busy is quite harmful.
Similarly, leaning forward or picking things up from the ground maximally affects the inner ear. If things are scattered on the ground during a storm, experienced sailors do not try to pick them up.
Listening to music suppresses the warnings from the inner ear to a certain extent, which is beneficial.
Activities that occupy the brain and focus attention, such as steering, significantly reduce the warnings. Steering is very effective not only because it occupies the cortex, i.e., the brain, but also because it shows in the shortest way how the movements will affect the boat and its occupants.
Looking in the direction of movement is beneficial for visual function, while looking backward, as in a bus, is harmful.
It would be more useful to give the example of whirling dervishes in relation to the direction of movement. As you know, whirling dervishes spin around their own axis (rotation) on a flat surface without making any vertical (up-down) movements. They turn their heads 45 degrees to one side to block stimuli from the inner ear.
However, in rough seas, rotational movement is minimal. There is more vertical, i.e., up-and-down and side-to-side movement. These can vary with each voyage. The person should remain in whatever position they find comfortable, whether lying down with or without a pillow, sitting upright, or otherwise.
Sleeping can be beneficial. If you are sleeping in a cabin, make sure it is well ventilated.
Regardless of the circumstances, the body eventually adapts to seasickness. This period is generally two days. The reason you feel like you are swaying when you disembark after spending two to three days at sea and sleeping on a swaying deck is because of this adaptation. The brain and other centers have adapted to the swaying ground, and it takes a certain amount of time for them to adjust to the new environment.
The medication called Dramamine is actually a histamine (allergy molecule) blocker. It suppresses the signals coming from the inner ear at the level of the balance organ. It should be taken 30-45 minutes before setting sail. Medications taken orally after vomiting has started are ineffective. The most important side effect of Dramamine is drowsiness. It causes inattention. It is not recommended for those steering the boat. Anti-nausea medications such as Metpamid or Emedur do not block signals. They only prevent vomiting.
If vomiting persists for a long time, fluid and electrolyte loss may occur. In such cases, even if preventive medications are taken orally, they will be expelled immediately and will not enter the system or be effective. In severe cases where oral rehydration and electrolyte replacement are not possible, the patient may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
Stimulant medications and beverages such as coffee, tea, or energy drinks containing large amounts of caffeine are harmful because they increase sensitivity. They should not be consumed beforehand.
Bracelets can reduce sensitivity by making contact with certain points (usually on the wrist) using acupuncture principles. This is a minimally invasive application that can be very beneficial for some individuals. It is worth trying.
The factors mentioned above vary from person to person. They can even vary significantly over time in the same individual. Reviewing all of them, trying them out, and finding the most suitable one for you will ensure an enjoyable vacation or journey.

Enjoy your journey…