Managing cybersickness: Symptoms and remedies

September 2021 | Reading time: 4 minutes

With the increase in the use of digital screens across all ages, cybersickness is becoming a more frequent affliction. It is often mistaken for traditional motion sickness the condition known as cybersickness (also called the cyber-sickness also known as screen sickness) is due to long-term exposure to screens like smartphones, computers as well as televisions as well as VR gadgets. This can trigger symptoms such as nausea, dizziness headaches, nausea and eye strain impacting your productivity and well-being.

What Is Cybersickness? (Cyber Sickness Meaning)

Cybersickness is a type of motion sickness caused by visual stimuli displayed on digital screens. It happens when your brain receives signals that are not in sync with your eyes and the inner ear. When your eyes detect movement on a screen your body is stationary which causes anxiety and sensory confusion.

Common Cybersickness Symptoms

A lot of people suffer from symptoms, but not realizing they’re caused by digital exposure. These are the most commonly known symptoms:

1. Nausea
One of the early and most well-known symptoms of cybersickness. People often experience a shaky stomach after a long period of screen time.

2. Eye Strain (Feeling Dizzy When Looking at Screen)
Excessive exposure to screens result in excessive stress on eye muscles, which can result in blurred vision irritation, dry eyes, and fatigue.

3. Headaches
The cause is eye strain, improper posture, as well as constant concentration on screens. This can cause discomfort in the temples, forehead or neck shoulders.

4. Dizziness and Disorientation (Can Scrolling Make You Dizzy?)
Your eyes can detect motion (like scrolling) however your vestibular system doesn’t. The result is vertigo, lightheadedness and a loss of concentration.

5. Digital Vertigo Symptoms
It can cause a spinning sensation that causes balance issues, sweating or even an euphoric sensation.

Causes of Cybersickness

• Long screen time with no breaks
• Multiple screens can be used simultaneously
• Visual content that is fast-paced and dynamic
• Poor lighting or screen settings
• Heavy meals consumed prior to screen time

How to Stop or Fix Cybersickness: Remedies and Prevention

The most effective approach to treatment for cybersickness includes prevention, and a conscious screen habit. Here are some methods that work:

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Limit screen time: Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to take a break and rest your eyes.
• 20-20-20 Rule Each 20 minute take a look at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• slows down your scrolling Reducing the speed of navigation by avoiding fast scrolling.
• Avoid Multiscreening: Limit use of multiple screens simultaneously to lessen cognitive burden.
• Alter Viewing Pose Alternate your posture frequently to avoid sitting for all day.

Environmental Adjustments

• Change Screen Setting: Reduce brightness and increase the size of fonts, and increase contrast.
• Blue Glasses for Light: Help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Good Lighting Assure that ambient lighting minimizes glare on the screen. 

Health & Wellness Tips

Keep hydrated: Dehydration worsens symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.

Avoid eating heavy meals: Especially before long screen sessions.

Practice Relaxation Stress can make it more difficult to recover from cybersickness. Therefore, you should incorporate meditation or deep breathing into your daily routine.

Lymphatic Treatment for Drainage Treatments such as the VIVO Body Studio’s Lymphatic Vacuum Massage can improve your overall health and help in the recovery process.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice that your symptoms of cybersickness become more frequent and intense or begin to interfere with your everyday life, you should consult a physician. The persistent symptoms, such as migraines that are severe, digital vertigo or changes in vision could necessitate medical intervention.

Don’t Let Cybersickness Disrupt Your Digital Life

Cybersickness can be very frustrating however, it can be managed. By recognizing symptoms early and adopting healthy habits of screen use to protect yourself, you will be able to maintain your health and productivity in the modern world of screens. Make sure you are taking care of your digital health. Your eyes and your brain will thank you.

VIVO Clinic cares about your well-being. Explore our wellness therapies like Lymphatic Vacuum Massage to feel your best every day.