Research from the Henan Institute of Science and Technology in China suggests that listening to uplifting music may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. A study led by neuroscientist Yilun Li found that selected music could significantly reduce feelings of nausea and dizziness experienced during travel, particularly in a simulated driving environment.
In a controlled experiment involving 30 participants, researchers used a driving simulator to induce symptoms of motion sickness while monitoring brain activity with an electroencephalograph (EEG) cap. Participants were divided into six groups, each experiencing different post-simulation conditions. Four groups listened to one minute of music after the drive, one group meditated for a minute, and another group concluded their simulated experience just before feeling nauseous.
The findings revealed that joyful music alleviated symptoms of motion sickness by an impressive 14 percent compared to the meditation group. Soft music also proved effective, reducing symptoms by 13.4 percent relative to controls. In a surprising twist, researchers noted that listening to sad music had the opposite effect, potentially exacerbating feelings of discomfort.
While the study’s sample size is modest, the results are consistent with previous research indicating that music can significantly influence emotional and physical states. Other studies have demonstrated that favorite songs can mitigate symptoms of visually induced motion sickness, commonly referred to as “cybersickness,” often experienced with virtual reality devices.
The EEG data from this study provided intriguing insights into the relationship between brain activity and motion sickness. Researchers identified a negative correlation between the severity of symptoms and brain activity in the occipital region, which is responsible for processing visual information. Participants who reported higher levels of nausea exhibited less complex brain activity in this area. Conversely, improved recovery was associated with more varied EEG readings.
The authors hypothesize that sad music may enhance discomfort through emotional resonance. In contrast, cheerful or relaxing tunes could help maintain a stable physical state, ultimately enhancing comfort during travel.
The study’s findings present a compelling case for the potential benefits of music as a simple yet effective intervention for those prone to motion sickness. As travel continues to be a part of daily life for many, incorporating uplifting music into journeys could be a practical solution for improving overall comfort.
The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, encouraging further exploration into the therapeutic effects of music on various physical and emotional conditions.
