What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness can trigger various symptoms, including dizziness, cold sweat, motion instability, general discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, and lethargy. These symptoms need to be prevented, which is why some solutions will be explained below. However, it is important to first explain which individuals are most susceptible to motion sickness.

It is important to note that each person exhibits individual reactions, and age must be taken into account. While children between the ages of eight and twelve are the most susceptible, the symptoms become less frequent with increasing age, particularly between 18 and 50. It is estimated that five percent of people suffer from these symptoms throughout their lives. On the other hand, the risk is minimal or even nonexistent in experienced gamers.

To prevent motion sickness symptoms, there are several strategies. First, it is important to use VR in a comfortable environment. This environment can be created by ensuring good air circulation, pleasant scents, and soothing music. Consuming a piece of ginger one to two hours before using VR can be helpful, as ginger calms the stomach. Additionally, it is essential to properly calibrate the headset to avoid poor resolution.

During the game, chewing gum can stimulate concentration while also providing a distracting effect. Additionally, using fixed points in the game, reducing the pace, and avoiding jumps and rotations can help prevent motion sickness. To avoid sensory confusion, the player should look in the same direction as they are moving. If symptoms arise, closing the eyes can help. If the symptoms don't subside afterward, taking a break from VR or having a short nap is recommended. If the symptoms do not improve at all, it is advised to avoid VR for a longer period. After removing the headset, the player should go outside for fresh air and drink a glass of still water.

Since humans are creatures of habit, playing in VR can be trained. Small gaming sessions should be repeated steadily over time. However, this process should be considered on an individual basis. Symptoms may occur as a side effect, making this process potentially challenging.

There is already a study that uses "Redirected Walking" to avoid motion sickness. In this technique, the images in VR are slightly rotated and overlaid, causing players to unknowingly walk in slight curves in the physical world. More about this study can be found in the article "Motion Sickness from the Headset."

Motion sickness refers to the confusion of sensory stimuli due to mismatched signals. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches can occur, triggered by various reasons. However, there are many ways to reduce motion sickness. Additionally, there is already a study that could potentially eliminate it completely.