Motion Sickness in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Motion sickness is a common problem for people in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, especially during car trips, flights out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, or boat rides on Lake Michigan and the Grand River. Although it can feel very uncomfortable, motion sickness is not a disease. Nearly everyone can experience it under the right conditions.

Some people are more sensitive than others and may feel sick with only a small amount of motion.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness (also called travel sickness, carsickness, airsickness, or seasickness) happens when your brain receives conflicting signals about movement from your:

  • Eyes (what you see)
  • Inner ear (vestibular system – your balance center)
  • Muscles and joints (position sense)

For example:

  • On a boat on Lake Michigan, if you’re inside the cabin looking at a wall, your eyes tell your brain you’re still.
  • But your inner ear senses the boat’s movement on the waves.
  • This “mismatch” can trigger motion sickness symptoms.

Who Is Most at Risk?

In Grand Rapids, motion sickness is especially common in:

  • Children ages 2–12 – they are more prone than adults.
  • Women – generally more susceptible than men.
  • People with a history of motion sickness – past episodes can make future ones more likely, especially if you expect to feel sick.
  • People with certain medical conditions, such as:
    • Migraine
    • Inner ear or vestibular disorders
    • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives)

Cold, dark winter months in West Michigan can also mean more indoor travel (long car rides, bus trips, flights), which may increase the chances of motion sickness for some people.

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Feeling generally unwell or tired
  • Excess saliva (mouth watering)
  • Burping

In most cases, symptoms improve once the motion stops. However, frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure, which can be serious.

When to Seek Medical Care in Grand Rapids

Contact a local healthcare provider such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health — or visit an urgent care or emergency department — if:

  • Vomiting is persistent and you cannot keep fluids down
  • You feel faint, confused, or extremely weak
  • A child has severe symptoms or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, little or no urination)

You can also call your primary care provider in Grand Rapids or the Kent County Health Department for guidance.

Why Does Motion Sickness Happen?

Motion sickness is believed to occur when there is a sensory conflict, such as:

  • Your eyes say you’re not moving (reading a book in the back seat of a car on US‑131 or I‑196)
  • Your inner ear and body sense movement (the car is turning, stopping, and starting)

This conflict confuses the brain and activates areas involved in nausea and vomiting.

With long-term or repeated exposure to motion (for example, a long cruise on Lake Michigan or frequent flying), the brain may adapt over time, and symptoms can become less severe or even disappear.

Risk Factors for Motion Sickness

You may be more likely to experience motion sickness if:

  • You are a child between 2–12 years
  • You are female
  • You are pregnant
  • You have migraine or vestibular (inner ear) disorders
  • You have anxiety about travel
  • You’ve had motion sickness in the past
  • You are tired, hungry, or dehydrated
  • You’ve consumed alcohol before or during travel

Preventing Motion Sickness: Practical Tips for Grand Rapids Travelers

Whether you’re driving to Detroit, heading up north, or taking a boat out on Lake Michigan, these strategies can reduce your risk of motion sickness.

1. Choose the Right Seat

  • In a car:
    • Sit in the front passenger seat if possible.
    • Look forward through the windshield, not at the side windows or interior.
  • On a bus or train:
    • Sit near the front and face forward.
  • On an airplane (Gerald R. Ford International Airport):
    • Choose a seat over the wings, where motion is least.
  • On a boat (Lake Michigan, inland lakes, or Grand River):
    • Stay on deck and look at the horizon or stable land features.
    • The center of the vessel usually has the least motion.

People usually have less motion sickness when they are in control, so the driver of a car is less likely to feel sick than a passenger.

2. Watch What You Look At

  • Focus on stable, distant objects (the horizon, road ahead).
  • Avoid:
    • Reading books
    • Looking at phones or tablets
    • Watching fast-moving scenes (e.g., action movies) in a moving vehicle

Some people find that closing their eyes helps reduce the sensory conflict.

3. Optimize Fresh Air and Environment

  • Make sure you have plenty of fresh air:
    • Slightly open a window in the car (weather permitting in West Michigan’s seasons).
    • Use the air vent on airplanes or buses.
  • Avoid:
    • Fumes, strong odors, or cigarette smoke, which can worsen symptoms.
    • Hot, stuffy environments — dress in layers to stay comfortable in Michigan’s variable weather.

4. Eat and Drink Smart

  • For short trips:
    • Consider not eating right before travel.
  • For long trips:
    • Eat small, light meals before and during travel.
    • Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.
    • Sip water regularly to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and during travel; it can worsen motion sickness and dehydration.

5. Manage Anxiety

Anxiety can intensify motion sickness symptoms.

  • Practice relaxation techniques:
    • Deep, slow breathing
    • Listening to calming music or guided relaxation
  • If anxiety about travel is severe, consider:
    • Talking with your primary care provider
    • Seeing a psychologist or counselor in Grand Rapids

Local mental health providers and community resources can be found through Grand Rapids Public Health or the Kent County Health Department.

Medications for Motion Sickness

Several medications can help prevent or lessen motion sickness. These are often more effective if taken before symptoms start.

Common options include:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications:
    • Antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate, meclizine)
  • Prescription medications:
    • Scopolamine patches (often used for cruises or long trips)

Important Points About Medication

  • Many motion sickness medicines can cause drowsiness:
    • Use caution if you need to drive or operate machinery.
  • You may need to try different options to see what works best for you.
  • Always check with your doctor or pharmacist in Grand Rapids before starting medication, especially for:
    • Children
    • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
    • People taking other medications or with chronic health conditions

You can get advice from:

  • Your primary care provider (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Local pharmacies throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County

Natural and Home Remedies

Ginger

Research suggests that ginger may help ease nausea related to motion sickness. Options include:

  • Chewing small pieces of raw ginger
  • Drinking ginger tea (fresh minced ginger in boiling water)
  • Using ginger candies or lozenges

If you have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor before using large amounts of ginger.

Other Strategies

  • Close your eyes and rest if symptoms start.
  • Try to relax your neck and shoulders.
  • Keep your head as still as possible, supported by a headrest if available.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If motion sickness is frequent, severe, or affecting your quality of life, consider a medical evaluation. Local options include:

  • Primary Care Clinics with:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) or Vestibular Specialists for possible inner ear issues
  • Urgent Care Centers for acute episodes with severe vomiting or dehydration
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for community health resources and referrals

Key Points to Remember

  • Motion sickness is very common and not a sign of serious disease in most people.
  • It happens when the brain receives conflicting messages about motion.
  • Children 2–12 years, women, and people with certain conditions (e.g., migraine, vestibular disorders, pregnancy) are more at risk.
  • Symptoms can range from mild nausea to vomiting, sweating, dizziness, and headache.
  • Fresh air, seat choice, visual focus, light meals, and anxiety management can significantly reduce symptoms.
  • Fumes, smoke, heavy meals, alcohol, and anxiety can make motion sickness worse.
  • Some medications and ginger can help, but always seek advice from a Grand Rapids healthcare provider or pharmacist.
  • Seek prompt medical attention if vomiting is severe, you cannot keep fluids down, or you feel very weak or faint.

By planning ahead and using these strategies, most people in Grand Rapids can travel comfortably—whether it’s a winter drive across Michigan, a summer boat trip on Lake Michigan, or a flight out of GRR.