Menu Close

Sea sickness and ski underwear

These are issues that at first glance may not have much to do with each other, however, there are situations where they can intersect.

The subject often comes up:

  • ‘I’m not going to get sick, am I?’
  • ‘I got some good pills from my pharmacist, doctor, friend, neighbour… should I take them?’
  • ‘I ate something just to be sure, because you have to leave with a full stomach!’
  • ‘I didn’t eat anything, because otherwise you will get sick’

What’s in a name?

Seasickness (motion sickness) is a form of nausea that occurs when moving, such as on a ship, in a plane or in a car.  It is caused by conflicting signals your brain receives from your eyes, your balance organ in the inner ear and your other senses.  Other senses or sensors include your feet, knees that register the movement of the ship. 

When you are on a ship, your body senses the movement of the ship, but when you look at the horizon, your eyes may be able to give a steadier view, which adds to the confusion in your brain and can cause nausea.

Symptoms of seasickness:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Trembling and shivering
  • Dizziness
  • Pale skin

Sometimes it passes after a few moments of nausea, sometimes it takes longer.  Sometimes you fall asleep, then it passes (temporarily).  Often it passes if you sit outside, in the fresh air, in a good place and follow along.

Stay outside!

Because that’s the golden tip, breathe fresh air, follow along with the movements by actively observing what the skipper and crew are doing.  This way, your brain concentrates on what is happening around you!

We know from experience that you are most at risk inside the ship.  Your eyes do not see the waves, the movement coming, often you are inside writing, reading, cooking.  Those are risky ventures if you get below deck, they can trigger the disease.  Only sleeping (and turning off the sensors) is safe.

Tips

  • Do not have a heavy meal beforehand, some sources recommend a light meal, but we also know sailors who don’t eat don’t get sick….
  • Drink plenty of water before and during sailing.
  • Look around sufficiently.
  • When lying down, try to lie in line with the ship so you feel less rolling motion.
  • Always stay in the middle of the ship or aft, these are the most stable places.
  • Make sure not to sniff the exhaust fumes from the engines.

Medication

Treatment may also include taking appropriate medication.  Often, your doctor or pharmacist will recommend something.  There is no universal truth, some are helped by a pill, others still get sick.  Pills for car sickness or motion sickness are not enough on heavy seas, specialised pills are available!  If you reach for medication, do so in good time, take the pills beforehand!  After all, if you feel symptoms of illness, it is too late.

Aggravating factors: alcohol before or during the cruise.  Leaving tired. 
Above all, make sure you don’t get cold! Dress well in different ‘layers’.  Do that from the start, because once you start shivering it’s hard to stop!

Ski underwear

Ski (thermal) underwear is specially designed to keep you warm in cold conditions by retaining heat while wicking sweat away from your skin.  It is usually made of synthetic materials or wool, which provide insulation while remaining breathable.  This type of underwear is often used for activities in cold environments, such as hiking, skiing or a sailing trip in colder waters.

Thermal underwear is useful for keeping your body temperature stable when you are exposed to cold, which is important for the avoidance of seasickness, especially when you are at sea for long periods of time.
Ski (or other thermal) underwear is the first comfortable, effective layer that does not inhibit your freedom of movement.  After that, it’s taking care of additional layers, finishing with wind and waterproof protection.  Altogether, it ensures you don’t lose extra energy in warming up your body, allowing you to focus better on reducing seasickness.

                   The layering system keeps you nice and warm, wicks away                     any   perspiration and keeps out and moisture

Disclaimer

This is not a scientific contribution,
you take the remedies listed at your own risk.

 

Seek advice from your doctor. 
For more information on seasickness pills: info@zwitserseapotheek.be