Why Some People Get Motion Sickness and Others Don’t

Have you ever wondered why some people can read a book in the backseat of a car or enjoy a bumpy boat ride without feeling a thing while others turn green at the first sign of motion? Motion sickness affects millions of people, but not everyone experiences it the same way. The reasons lie in the complex relationship between your brain, inner ear, and body and even your genes.

The Science Behind Motion Sickness

Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals about movement. For example, when you’re in a moving car reading a book, your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes are fixed on something still. This “sensory mismatch” confuses your brain, which interprets the conflict as a potential threat leading to nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting.

Your inner ear, also known as the vestibular system, plays a big role in this process. It contains fluid-filled canals that detect movement and balance. When what you see doesn’t match what your vestibular system senses, your brain struggles to reconcile the difference. The result? Classic motion sickness symptoms.

Genetics: You Might Be Born With It

Research suggests that genetics can influence how prone you are to motion sickness. Studies have identified several genes linked to the vestibular system and brain signaling that may make certain people more sensitive to motion. If one or both of your parents get motion sickness, you’re more likely to experience it too.

Women tend to be more susceptible than men, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations. Motion sickness can also worsen during pregnancy or menstruation because of changes in hormone levels that affect balance and sensitivity.

Age and Adaptation

Age plays a surprising role in motion sickness. Young children are more likely to experience it, especially between the ages of 2 and 12, because their sensory systems are still developing. Interestingly, babies rarely experience motion sickness, and many people grow out of it as they get older.

However, some individuals never fully adapt. Those with highly sensitive vestibular systems or conditions that affect balance, like inner ear disorders may continue to struggle throughout adulthood. On the other hand, frequent travelers sometimes develop what’s called habituation, meaning their brains gradually adapt to the repeated motion and symptoms become less severe over time.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of motion sickness. Fatigue, dehydration, anxiety, and even hunger can make symptoms worse. Stress can also heighten your body’s physical responses, making you more aware of sensations like motion or imbalance.

The type of motion also matters. Cars and boats tend to cause more issues than airplanes because of the irregular, unpredictable movements. Sitting in the back seat or facing backward can make symptoms worse since your visual cues don’t match the direction of motion.

Technology and Virtual Reality Motion Sickness

Motion sickness isn’t limited to real-world travel. Many people experience similar symptoms while using virtual reality (VR) headsets or playing video games. This happens for the same reason: sensory mismatch. Your eyes see motion and movement, but your body is still, sending conflicting signals to your brain. Some people are much more sensitive to these visual cues than others.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Even if you’re prone to motion sickness, there are ways to reduce symptoms and make travel more comfortable:

• Choose the right seat: Sit in the front seat of a car, over the wings on a plane, or in the middle of a boat these are the most stable spots.
  
  
• Keep your eyes on the horizon: This helps align your visual and vestibular inputs.
  
  
• Get fresh air: Proper ventilation reduces nausea and dizziness.
  
  
• Avoid heavy meals before traveling: Eat light and avoid greasy, spicy, or rich foods.
  
  
• Use natural remedies or medication: Ginger, acupressure wristbands, or over-the-counter motion sickness medication can help.
  
  

Why Some People Never Get Motion Sickness

If you’re one of the lucky few who never gets motion sickness, your brain is simply better at integrating conflicting sensory signals. Some people have vestibular systems that quickly adapt or are less sensitive to motion cues. Others have learned behaviors like focusing on the horizon or controlling breathing that subconsciously help them stay balanced and comfortable.

In short, the difference isn’t just in your stomach it’s in how your brain processes motion.

Motion sickness is a fascinating reminder of how finely tuned, yet easily confused, our bodies can be. While some people are genetically or biologically more prone to it, lifestyle factors and environmental conditions also play a big role. Understanding what causes motion sickness and why others might not experience it at all can help you take control of your symptoms and make your next trip far more enjoyable.

Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or boat, knowing your triggers and using smart strategies can keep nausea at bay and make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.