VR Motion Sickness

There’s one thing that many different people experience when they use VR and it’s not fun. VR motion sickness is a real affliction that can strike anyone using a VR headset. When you’re engaged in a VR Relationship, this can be a real problem. HealthLine has a lot to say about what causes it and what you can do about it.

Causes of VR Motion Sickness

Here are the main causes of virtual reality motion reality sickness, so you can understand what’s causing it. When you’re playing a VR game, your eyes register the movements being simulated around you. These can be anything from comets whizzing by in virtual space to riding on a giant horse. Your inner ears also sense that virtual movement is happening all around you.

But despite what’s being generated in your VR headset, the muscles and joints of your body sense that you’re sitting still, and not in motion. Your eyes, inner ears, and body send these mixed messages to your brain simultaneously. Your brain becomes confused and disoriented, causing motion sickness to occur. That’s why so many people can experience it while they’re in the virtual universe and there are a few things you can do about it.

Stop VR Motion Sickness

The first thing to do is take off your headset. Virtual reality motion sickness can last for hours, but here are a few things that will help it go away:

• Drowsy-formula antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines that cross the blood-brain barrier can be used to treat motion sickness. These antihistamines have anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergic medications reduce symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Medications to try include Benadryl and Dramamine. Second-generation antihistamines don’t have this effect.
• Fresh air: It’s not fully understood why breathing in fresh, cool air alleviates motion sickness, but people often report feeling better once they do. If you’re inside, go outside and breathe some cool air. If you’re indoors, generate a breeze with a cooling fan.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils, like lavender and ginger, may help reduce nausea and dizziness. Try using a room diffuser or place a few drops on your wrists and gently breath in the scent.
• Ginger: Ginger can help reduce nausea and may also have a calming effect. Try taking ginger supplements, chewing ginger candy, or drinking ginger tea. You can also peel and suck on fresh ginger root.

Prevent Virtual Reality Motion Sickness

If you want to take steps to prevent the motion sickness then you’re in luck. There are a few things you can do to stop from feeling sick in the first place. Here are the things you can do:

• VR treadmills: VR treadmills are actually a type of shoe that lets you simulate walking while you’re actually standing still during a game.
• Cybershoes: These work similarly to VR treadmills, except you wear them while sitting.
• Low-latency VR games: Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for in-app motion to register in the brain. The lower the latency, the less delay there is between what’s happening and your brain’s perception of it.
• Scopolamine patch: Scopolamine is a prescription anticholinergic drug that’s administered via a patch worn behind the ear. It’s used to alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by surgical procedures. It’s also sometimes prescribed for people to use before boat trips. A patch can be worn for up to 3 days.
• Have an empty stomach: Avoid eating a heavy meal before playing. This may reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Try medication: Take Dramamine or Benadryl several hours prior to playing.