Where to Sit and Look If You Get Motion Sick Easily
Motion sickness is an argument between the eyes and ears
The balance organs in the inner ear sense that the body is moving, but if the eyes are looking at something still, such as a book or phone, the brain becomes confused and motion sickness occurs. So the key comes down to two things: sit where the motion is smallest, and make what your eyes see match what your body feels.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Motion sickness is an argument between the eyes and ears | Short key point |
| Less shaky seats by mode of transport | Even in the same vehicle, the amount of motion can vary greatly depending on where you sit |
| Look far ahead, in the direction of travel | Short key point |
Less shaky seats by mode of transport
Even in the same vehicle, the amount of motion can vary greatly depending on where you sit. The farther you are from the axis of rotation, the more swaying you feel, so choose based on the center and the direction of travel.
| Mode of transport | Where to sit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Rows 2 to 4 from the front, by the window rather than the aisle | Less vibration from the wheels and less swaying at the rear |
| Ship or ferry | Middle deck, a lower level close to the waterline | Closer to the axis of rotation, so vertical motion is smaller |
| Train | Window seat facing the direction of travel | Rear-facing seats make your view and motion feel mismatched |
| Car | Passenger seat or front seat | The road is visible far ahead through the windshield, making it easier to fix your gaze |
Look far ahead, in the direction of travel
When you focus on slowly moving objects far outside the window, such as mountains, buildings, or the horizon, the information from your eyes and body lines up. By contrast, nearby scenery through a side window rushes past quickly and can make you feel dizzier. If possible, face forward in the direction of travel. If motion sickness starts, close your eyes and press your head firmly against the seat headrest to reduce head movement itself.
- Thirty minutes before boarding, avoid both overeating and an empty stomach, and eat a small amount of light carbohydrate.
- Once seated, put down your book or phone and look at a distant point outside the window.
- Open the window about two finger-widths to let outside air in.
- If you feel nauseated, close your eyes, keep your head still, and repeatedly breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth.
For people with severe motion sickness, it can also help to watch the road as if you were holding the steering wheel, anticipating the next curve. When the brain knows the next movement in advance, it is less startled.