What causes motion sickness?

Ever felt queasy on a car ride, even if you’re sitting still in the back seat? Maybe airplanes, boats or even virtual reality make your stomach do flips. You’re not alone.

Motion sickness is basically your brain throwing a tiny tantrum.

At the heart of motion sickness is a sensory conflict. Your inner ear, the body’s built-in balance guru, senses motion as cars zoom, boats rock or planes soar. But if your eyes are glued to a book, phone, or the scenery-less back seat, they tell the brain that nothing is moving.

According to Stanford Medicine, this mismatch confuses the brain, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, fatigue and cold sweats.

Motion sickness is more common in children, particularly those between the ages of 2 and 12, according to Mayo Clinic.

While kids are more affected, adults aren’t off the hook. Women and those with conditions like migraines or inner ear disorders may also feel the rollercoaster effect more than most, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tips to keep your stomach happy:

• Face forward. Sit in the front seat and look ahead. Your brain likes a clear view.
• Stay cool. Open a window for fresh air to soothe your nerves and stomach.
• Avoid screens. That phone or tablet might be a plot twist for your inner ear.
• Take breaks. Stretching your legs gives your brain a chance to catch up.
• Being the driver. Surprisingly, controlling the wheel can also help your brain feel in charge.

Understanding the science behind motion sickness can help manage it, and maybe even save your snack from an early exit. Next time you’re on a winding road, remember that your brain is just trying to make sense of the ride.