What happens to motion sickness when good outside visual references exist?

When good outside visual references are available, motion sickness tends to decrease. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the brain's reliance on visual cues to help interpret the body's position and movement in space. In situations where the visual environment provides clear and stable references, it aids the vestibular system (which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation) in coordinating sensory input.

When you're in motion, such as during flight, your inner ear may send signals to your brain that conflict with what your eyes are seeing. This discrepancy can lead to the symptoms of motion sickness. However, when you have reliable visual references, such as the horizon or ground features, your brain can reconcile the conflicting signals more effectively. This reduces confusion and discomfort, ultimately alleviating the onset of motion sickness symptoms.

Therefore, the presence of good visual references plays a crucial role in maintaining spatial orientation and balance, contributing to a decrease in motion sickness symptoms during movement.