Instead of using orange peel or medicine, this is a new method to prevent motion sickness.

(Dan Tri) - A new study has confirmed that listening to music can help reduce motion sickness. However, the effectiveness of this therapy depends on the type of music.

Motion sickness is a condition that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body.

When the eyes see a stationary vehicle, but the inner ear senses movement, the brain can become confused, causing nausea, dizziness, cold sweats and fatigue.

This condition can occur when traveling in a car, boat, plane, or even watching a 3D movie. Almost everyone experiences motion sickness at least once in their life, but the severity varies.

People most susceptible to motion sickness are women, especially during menstruation or pregnancy, due to increased hormone sensitivity.

Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are also susceptible, with symptoms peaking at age 9, gradually decreasing in adolescence as the vestibular system develops. People with a history of migraines, vertigo, or vestibular disorders are also at high risk for the condition.

In terms of prevalence, about one-third of the world's population is susceptible to motion sickness. An international survey found that 46% of car passengers have experienced symptoms in the past five years, and 59% in their lifetime. Motion sickness has a major impact on the travel experience, making many people reluctant to travel long distances.

About 1/3 of the world's population suffers from motion sickness (Photo: Shutterstock).

New therapy against motion sickness

A study from Southwest University, China, led by Dr. Qizong Yue, has opened up a new direction in reducing motion sickness with music .

For the study, 30 volunteers susceptible to motion sickness were placed in a nausea-inducing driving simulator. Each wore a cap equipped with 64 electrodes to monitor brain activity.

When motion sickness symptoms appeared, they were divided into four groups, and listened to different genres of music for 60 seconds. One group listened to nothing, allowing the symptoms to subside on their own.

The results showed that upbeat music reduced motion sickness by 57.3%. This figure was 56.7% for soft music, and 48.3% for emotional music. On the contrary, sad music reduced motion sickness by only 40%, 3.3% less than the group that did not listen.

According to Dr. Yue, happy music activates the brain's reward system, helping to distract from unpleasant feelings. Soft music relieves stress, reduces nausea and dizziness by stabilizing the nervous system.

Furthermore, brainwave data reinforces this finding. When motion sickness occurs, activity in the occipital lobe, which processes images, also decreases. Upbeat music helps restore this activity quickly, improving the state. Conversely, sad music evokes negative emotions, slowing the recovery process.

However, the study had limitations. It only included 30 people in their 20s and 30s, and it used simulations rather than real roads. This could affect the accuracy.

In the future, Dr. Yue plans to expand the trial to real-world settings, and also test whether personal musical preferences have an impact on the effectiveness. Still, this is a non-invasive, low-cost alternative to sleeping pills that people can consider applying.

Other methods to reduce motion sickness

In addition to music, many other methods help reduce motion sickness, based on synchronizing sensory signals or calming the nervous system.

- Breathing fresh air through an open window is a simple way. Fresh air stimulates breathing, reduces stuffiness and unpleasant odors, a common factor that increases nausea. In addition, the cool breeze improves circulation, calming the sympathetic nervous system.

Lowering the window while driving helps you breathe more air, reducing motion sickness (Photo: iStock).

- Looking at the horizon or a distant fixed object is an effective solution. When focusing on a distant point, the eyes synchronize signals with the inner ear, helping the brain recognize actual movement. This reduces sensory conflicts, calms the vestibular system and limits dizziness.

- Reclining and keeping your head steady is also helpful. Reclining reduces head movement, reducing pressure on the vestibular system. Keeping your head still helps the brain process movement signals better, reducing nausea.

- Tilting your head along the curve when the car is moving helps the inner ear and body perceive movement more consistently, thereby helping to reduce brain confusion, limit dizziness and motion sickness. You should also sit facing the direction of travel to ensure that the eyes and vestibular system receive consistent signals, reducing the risk of motion sickness.

- Changing positions periodically avoids prolonged muscle tension, which increases discomfort. Reclining the chair also helps the body relax, reducing pressure on the nervous system.

- Drinking water or sweets helps stabilize the stomach. The quick energy from sweets soothes the stomach lining, reducing irritation that causes vomiting.

- Avoiding cigarette smoke is essential, because the smell of cigarette smoke stimulates the vagus nerve, making symptoms worse.

- If possible, controlling the vehicle by driving or sitting in the front is a good choice. Driving helps the brain predict movements, reducing sensory conflicts. In addition, sitting in the front allows observation of the road, synchronizing eye and inner ear signals.

- People can also use fans to achieve the same effect. Fans create a cool breeze, reduce stuffiness and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Going outside to breathe in fresh air provides fresh oxygen, improves circulation and reduces stress.

- Using medicine is a common method to limit the symptoms of motion sickness, however, people should not use it on their own but must consult a doctor before using it.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/thay-vi-dung-vo-cam-hay-thuoc-day-la-phuong-phap-moi-chong-say-xe-20250916165302210.htm