Scientists Discover Music Can Alleviate Motion Sickness Symptoms

Research conducted by a team at Southwest University in China has revealed that listening to certain types of music may significantly reduce symptoms of motion sickness. This discovery, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience on March 15, 2024, suggests that music could serve as a non-invasive and cost-effective solution for individuals who frequently suffer from nausea while traveling.

The study was led by Qizong Yue, who emphasized the challenges many individuals face with motion sickness, noting that traditional treatments often come with unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness. “Music represents a non-invasive, low-cost, and personalized intervention strategy,” Yue stated.

Study Design and Findings

To explore the effect of music on motion sickness, researchers created a driving simulation that induced carsickness in 30 participants who had previously reported moderate levels of this condition. The group was divided into six categories: four groups listened to music during recovery, one group did not listen to music, and a control group experienced a simulation that ended before they began to feel nauseous.

Participants wore electroencephalogram (EEG) caps to monitor their brain activity, providing insights into the neural responses associated with motion sickness. After experiencing symptoms, participants listened to music for 60 seconds before reporting their levels of nausea.

The results were telling. Those who listened to joyful music experienced a reduction in carsickness symptoms by 57.3%. Soft music followed closely behind with a 56.7% reduction, while passionate music led to a decrease of 48.3%. In contrast, those who did not listen to music reported a 43.3% reduction in symptoms, and participants exposed to sad music only experienced a 40% decrease in nausea.

The findings suggest that soft music may help relax tensions that can worsen motion sickness, while joyful tunes could distract the brain and activate reward systems, thereby alleviating discomfort. In contrast, sad music may reinforce negative feelings, worsening the overall experience.

Neuroscientific Insights

The EEG data yielded significant insights into the brain’s response to motion sickness. Researchers observed changes in brain activity within the occipital lobe, particularly a decrease in complex activity when participants reported feeling nauseous. As participants began to recover, their brain activity gradually returned to normal levels.

“Based on our conclusions, individuals experiencing motion sickness symptoms during travel can listen to cheerful or gentle music to achieve relief,” Yue explained. He also noted that these findings could have broader implications, as the mechanisms of motion sickness can apply to various modes of transport, including air and sea travel.

Despite these promising results, Yue acknowledged the limitations of the study, particularly the small sample size, which may affect the statistical power of the findings. He emphasized the need for further research to confirm these patterns of brain activity and to explore the impact of different types of music on motion sickness.

Looking ahead, researchers plan to investigate how various forms of motion sickness respond to musical interventions and the influence of individual music preferences. This could pave the way for more tailored approaches to managing motion sickness.

While the study opens new avenues for relief, anecdotal evidence suggests that singing may also help alleviate motion sickness. As researchers continue their work, the potential for discovering additional non-pharmaceutical strategies remains an exciting prospect for those who struggle with nausea during travel.