What causes cold sweats during motion sickness?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, cold sweats caused by motion sickness may be due to anxiety or tension, improper diet, hypoglycemia, hypotension, motion sickness, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general care or medication may be needed. When experiencing cold sweats due to motion sickness, try to relax, and appropriately open the car window to breathe in fresh air, which can help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.

  In general, cold sweats caused by motion sickness may be due to anxiety or nervousness, improper diet, hypoglycemia, hypotension, motion sickness, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment through general therapy or medication might be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  

  1. Anxiety or Nervousness

  Anxiety or nervousness activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased sweat gland secretion, leading to cold sweats. In a traveling environment, this psychological state may be amplified, triggering symptoms of motion sickness. It is recommended to try relaxation techniques before traveling, such as closing your eyes and deep breathing or listening to calming music, to alleviate nervousness.

  2. Improper Diet

  Consuming excessive greasy foods, overeating, or traveling on an empty stomach before boarding a vehicle can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Combined with the effects of motion sickness, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. It is recommended to choose light and easily digestible foods before boarding, such as congee or noodles, and avoid overeating.

  3. Hypoglycemia

  Hypoglycemia is primarily caused by inadequate food intake or excessive blood sugar reduction. During hypoglycemia, the body lacks sufficient energy supply, affecting brain function, which may lead to symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, hypoglycemia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing sweating, often accompanied by hunger, trembling, and palpitations. It is recommended to carry some sugary foods or drinks and follow medical advice to use medications such as glucose sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, or mannitol injection to alleviate symptoms.

  4. Hypotension

  Hypotension can be caused by factors such as insufficient blood volume or endocrine disorders. Hypotension causes slower blood flow throughout the body, leading to impaired brain function, making one prone to motion sickness, accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and cold sweats. It is recommended to use medications such as midodrine tablets, flunarizine hydrochloride capsules, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance for treatment.

  5. Motion Sickness

  Motion sickness is generally caused by excessive sensitivity or deficiency of the vestibular system. When riding in a vehicle or boat, due to motion stimuli such as vehicle vibrations, patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. In severe cases, symptoms like palpitations and pallor may also appear. It is recommended to use medications such as betahistine hydrochloride, chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, or diazepam tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

  When experiencing cold sweats due to motion sickness, try to relax, open the car window to breathe fresh air when possible, which can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.