TRAVEL: How to reduce travel sickness when flying
Many airline passengers suffer with travel sickness due to turbulence or general motion sickness, so we take a look at some tips to combat it if you don’t have medication to hand…
One of the key reasons passengers young and old get sickness on an airplane arises from confusion in the brain linked to differing messages from the eye and the ear.
Car hire experts and airport transfer specialists StressFreeCarRental.com explain the inner ear sends a message to the brain saying ‘we are moving’ while the eye sends a message saying ‘we are not’.
The conflicting messages can upset the brain triggering nausea, dizziness, sweating and vomiting among other symptoms. The symptoms only usually worsen if the plane experiences turbulence and anxiety and stress can further fuel an adverse reaction.
But there are some helpful tips to help prevent air sickness in the first place if you don’t have medication to hand.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Whether people need to fly for business or pleasure, it is useful to account for the fact that they could encounter air sickness on their journey.
“We’ve compiled some top tips to help anyone who might feel queasy to keep their illness at bay and stop it from ruining their flight. There are lots of different ideas to keep passengers feeling well.”
Here’s a ‘super seven’ ideas from StressFreeCarRental.com:
Choose your seat: If possible in advance, aim to book a seat by the window or towards the right, middle sections of the plane. In these seats, the shaking of the plane midflight are felt least by passengers.
Control nausea: If you feel queasy, ideas include leaning back into your seat to let the chair take as much of your weight as possible, and try not to move your head too much. It is a good idea to close your eyes or wear eye pads to help when in flight.
Aids to prevent sickness: Mint gum can be good for nausea and it is an idea to begin chewing mint gum before you have even boarded the plane. During the flight, you can ask the plane attendant for a ginger ale drink as this is another product that can keep nausea at bay.
Technology control: Consider limiting the technology aids that stimulate your brain while on a plane. Try not to watch TV, read anything or look at bright lights or displays for long periods.
Loose clothing: Wearing loose clothing can help make you feel more comfortable and less restricted and this is particularly helpful on a long haul flight. Wearing comfy clothes will reduce the risk of stress-induced air sickness.
Good ventilation: Become accustomed at the start of your flight with the air vents that accompany your seat. A good supply of fresh air will help during a long journey to stave off sickness.
Eat light: Before you board the plane aim for light foods and drink plenty of fluids and avoid heavy food and fizzy drinks that could cause you to bloat.
Air sickness is common, but these top tips from StressFreeCarRental.com can help prepare you in advance and help you enjoy a better journey.
