In most cases, you get it after a longer trip. While almost any kind of motion can cause it, doctors don’t know what’s really behind it. It’s even been caused by water beds, elevators, walking on docks, and using virtual reality. It happens most often after you’ve been out on the ocean, but riding in planes, trains, and cars can lead to it, too. Intense visual activity, like playing video games.Trying to be still, like when you’re going to sleep.
Your symptoms may go away when you ride in a car or train, but they’ll come back when you stop moving. You might feel unsteady and even stagger a bit. Mainly, you feel like you’re rocking, swaying, or bobbing when there’s no reason for it. People who get migraines may be more likely to get it, too, but doctors aren’t sure how the two conditions are linked. It can happen to anyone, but it’s much more common in women ages 30 to 60. That’s French for “sickness of disembarkment.” You feel like you’re rocking or swaying even though you’re not. With mal de debarquement syndrome, though, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re still on the boat. That usually happens within a few minutes or hours, but it can take up to 2 days. When you get back on shore, you need time to get your land legs back. It’s called “getting your sea legs,” and it keeps you from crashing into a wall every time the ship bobs up or down. When you head out to sea on a cruise ship, your brain and body have to get used to the constant motion.