How to Overcome Virtual Reality Sickness

You may be able to minimize virtual reality sickness with a few adjustments. The first thing to do if you start feeling sick is to stop playing and take the headset off. If you continue playing, the symptoms will only get worse and last longer. Try getting up, walking around, and getting fresh air. Don’t try to resume play for at least a couple of hours.

1. First-generation antihistamines that make you drowsy may help with preventing motion sickness.
2. Check your headset for fit. A headset that is too large will increase the distance between the pupils, which may increase unpleasant symptoms. Your eyes should be centered with the two interior lenses in the headset. Check the headset settings and adjust the lenses to a narrower setting to match your pupils.
3. Adding extra layers of sensory information can help the brain digest the sensory input. Have music or noise in the background to ground your brain. Some people like to spray a scent in the room as well.
4. More expensive VR systems present the visual effects with a dynamic depth of field, meaning that specific objects are in focus and the background is blurred. This simulates the natural way the eye works. Gaming systems that replicate the way the human eye works will often reduce motion sickness.
5. It may also help to move your body while you play. At a minimum, try to swing your arms or move your torso regularly to keep nausea in check. Movement helps the brain process conflicting sensory information.

Click here for our full guide on reducing and preventing VR motion sickness.