Virtual reality (VR) has opened incredible new worlds, from immersive gaming adventures to virtual travel experiences and professional training simulations.
But for some users, VR can come with an unwelcome side effect: motion sickness. This queasy sensation when your eyes and inner ear can’t agree on what’s going on. Your VR self might be zooming through space, but your real-world body is chilling on the sofa.
The result? A clash of signals that can leave you dizzy, nauseous, and ready to tap out.
The good news? Motion sickness in VR is manageable, and with the right strategies, you can fully enjoy the immersive potential of VR headsets. Here are some practical tips to help you stay comfortable in your virtual journeys.
Start Slow and Gradually Build Tolerance
When you first start using a VR headset, your body might need time to adapt. Begin with short sessions of 5–10 minutes and choose experiences with minimal movement. Over time, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of your VR adventures as your brain and body acclimate.
Choose Comfortable VR Experiences
Some VR experiences are more likely to trigger motion sickness than others. Games or apps with slow-paced, seated activities (like puzzle-solving or interactive storytelling) tend to be gentler on your system.
Avoid high-speed games or those with rapid, jerky movements until you’re more accustomed to VR.
Adjust VR Settings
Many VR headsets include settings designed to help reduce motion sickness:
- Field of View (FOV): Narrowing the FOV can reduce visual stimuli and help your brain process motion more easily.
- Frame Rate: Ensure the VR content runs at a high frame rate (ideally 90 frames per second or more) to minimise lag and visual stuttering.
- Movement Comfort Settings: Some apps offer features like teleportation-based movement or vignette effects during motion to reduce discomfort.
Explore your headset’s settings and optimise them for your comfort. Here you can view our blog on the Top 5 Common Issues with VR Headsets and Easy Fixes
Maintain Proper Setup
The physical setup of your VR equipment plays a big role in your comfort:
- Headset Fit: Make sure the headset is snug but comfortable. An ill-fitting headset can strain your eyes and increase disorientation.
- Room Size: Ensure you have enough space to move safely without bumping into objects.
- Lighting: Use VR in a well-lit room to minimise eye strain when transitioning between virtual and real, reality!
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Did you know, dehydration can also make motion sickness worse. So drinking water before and during your VR sessions will also help. Frequent breaks every 15–20 minutes, can also help your body recalibrate and prevent discomfort from building up.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Everyone is different and some are still likely to get that sinking feeling of sickness building. If you start feeling uneasy, pause your activity, step away and focus on slow breathing. Deep, steady breaths can help you relax and reduce nausea.
Final Thoughts
While motion sickness can be a barrier to enjoying VR, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. With gradual exposure, mindful adjustments, and a bit of patience and persistence, you can train your body to enjoy the wonders of virtual reality with less of the discomfort. So, gear up, step into your VR world, and immerse yourself –comfortably - in the future of entertainment and technology.
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