Jumping on a trampoline is all fun and games until you start feeling queasy and clammy.
There has been a myriad of queries on this issue where people happened to experience dizziness or motion sickness when they were trampolining.
Was it caused by the constant shift in movements, or was it just an illusion?
Most importantly, can a trampoline cause dizziness or motion sickness?
In all respects, yes! Trampolining can make you feel dizzy, send you into a state of vertigo and induce motion sickness. It all happens due to the sudden alteration in your body movements while you are ascending from the ground level to up in the sky and shifting side to side or up and down.
Let me break down why it happens and how you can prevent it in the upcoming segments, So you can enjoy trampolining without any wave of discomfort creeping in you.
Why Does Trampolining Cause Dizziness or Motion Sickness?
The disorientation you feel after waking up is similar to the feeling you get after a trampoline session. Your inner eye, the labyrinth, gets all punch-drunk by these impromptu changes in movements.
In case you don’t know, the feeling of queasiness or motion sickness is connected to your sense of balance and equilibrium.
And how is this balance abetted?
The nervous system incorporates three prime parts – the brain, the spinal cord, and an intricate web of nerves.
When all these parts interact with one another about a perceived movement happening to you and settle with it in unison, the balance is established.
Now, jumping on a trampoline or actively participating in such recreational activities impairs balance thus, you experience bouts of dizziness or motion sickness.
Walking involves movements, yet you don’t feel dizzy because your nervous system is accustomed to this activity, and it has already come to terms with all the other parts of the system.
It doesn’t send any conflicting signals; thus, the balance is maintained.
On the other hand, when you are trampolining the nervous system and all the parts related to it get confused and send different, contrasting messages to one another.
Consequently, it erupts an imbalance.
That said, people who engage themselves in such physical activities frequently happen to experience dizziness or motion sickness less than people who do it occasionally.
Is Motion Sickness and Dizziness the Same Thing? How Do I Identify the Feeling?
They are not necessarily the same thing; however, dizziness is a part of motion sickness.
Dizziness
Dizziness comprises a plethora of sensations, such as weakness, giddiness, fainting, instability, wooziness, etc.
When you are feeling dizzy, you will witness an illusion. It will make you feel like your surrounding is spinning around you or you are slowly drifting away or moving in a frantic motion.
For instance, when you are jumping on a trampoline, you may feel lightheaded, or when you descend to the ground, you may feel like the surrounding is spinning around you.
Motion Sickness
In contrast, motion sickness comes into action when your brain can’t grasp all the information received from your eyes, ears, and body.
It can make you feel dizzy and sick to your stomach.
The initial signs of motion sickness are cold sweats and queasiness. Then it may lead to dizziness, vomiting, migraine, and nausea.
Apart from trampolining, people experience motion sickness while traveling by car or flying on an airplane.
So, when you trampoline and start having cold spots or queasiness, you will most probably witness motion sickness.
Proven Tips to Prevent Dizziness or Motion sickness While Trampolining?
You may be invited to a trampolining date with your friends, but you are afraid whether it will make you dizzy or motion sick. Well, no need to worry!
There’s no hiding that trampolining can cause vertigo; however, there are effective ways to prevent and cure this issue, even if you are a rookie.
Let’s wade through the proven tips to make the best out of trampolining!
Take Moments of Interim
Repetitive jumping may seem exciting, but as soon as you reach the ground, you start gasping for air and feel lightheaded.
It doesn’t strike you instantly but after consecutive jumps. Thus, you should pause for a moment between each jump so you get time to relax and gather yourself for the next move.
Adjust to the Surrounding
It’s crucial that you adapt to the environment before you commence jumping on a trampoline.
The excitement and endorphin won’t be worthwhile if it later becomes the reason for your distress.
Hence, the first thing you should do is to get on the trampoline, look around, take deep, elongated breaths, wander around a bit, do a little warm-up, and concede that you are ready.
Start Slow
Always make small jumps in the beginning. One of the many reasons why you feel dizzy after trampolining is you drain all the energy right off the bat by taking long jumps.
I understand you crave the “Feel Good” sensation almost immediately after your first go. But you should take slow jumps at first and see how much you can handle.
Once you grasp your limit, you can then proceed to jump without going through such anticipations.
For example, start bouncing slowly, then give yourself a moment and see if you are okay or not. If you are, then level up your bouncing speed a bit more.
Keep doing this until you reach your limit.
Stop Trying to “Fit In”
You don’t have to entertain others or merge others’ unrealistic expectations.
Just because someone is bouncing high and doing crazy tricks doesn’t mean you have to do the same.
You are trampolining because it’s about you enjoying yourself. There’s no need to take offense or feel despondent if you can’t take high jumps like others.
The whole point of this activity is to have fun. So have it your way and do it within the limit.
How Do I Cure Trampolining Motion Sickness?
The rule of thumb is quite the same for both dizziness and motion sickness. And that is to stop jumping, sit back, relax, take deep breaths and regain steadiness.
If that doesn’t work, then try the following methods –
- Lie down flat, look at the horizon (in one fixed place straight), and don’t look at your feet or lower your head at all.
- Take deep breaths, hold them for a bit, then exhale.
- Make sure the air you are breathing is fresh, and the atmosphere has enough air going in and out. Crowdy places can create more tension and trigger claustrophobia; thus, rest in a peaceful zone.
- Drink enough fluids, and don’t even think of smoking or caffeine breaks.
- Massage at the P6 acupressure point to alleviate motion sickness. I am attaching the image of the pressure point so you don’t feel perplexed.
If any of the above-mentioned tips don’t appease, try consulting a doctor. Usually, motion sickness takes a maximum of four hours to disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why trampolining makes me dizzy?
It makes you dizzy, or you experience vertigo because your body isn’t used to such constant movements. No need to keep on rebounding if you are feeling disoriented. Take time to relax and adjust as any kind of exercise feels like a headache at first, but once your body adopts it through regular practice, it doesn’t feel like a bother anymore. That’s when the real fun begins.
2. What’s the safest time limit for trampolining to avoid dizziness?
If you are new to this, don’t jump for more than ten minutes a day. However, it depends on how much energy and agility you possess and how athletic you are. If you can wager on the fact that you can take more than ten minutes without any uneasiness, then go for it. Experienced rebounders devote 20-30 minutes of their day to rebounding.
3. Can trampolining release toxins?
Yes, it does. The valves located in your lymphatic system open and shut down simultaneously, accelerating your lymph flow up to 15x max. This not only enhances your immunity but also curbs your aging process and expels harmful toxins from your body.
4. Does trampolining cause nausea?
Yes, it does. Trampolining or any rebounding exercises dwindles your regular blood flow up to 80%. It decelerates the blood flow by a whooping rate, and instead of entering your abdominal organs, it delivers more blood to your skin and muscles. That’s the reason why you may feel nauseated after jumping on a trampoline.
5. Is there any permanent cure for dizziness or motion sickness?
Sadly, there’s nothing called a “permanent cure” when it comes to such weird sensations. However, if you are feeling dizzy because you have an ear infection, then a prescribed antibiotic can come to the rescue.
But other conditions give rise to dizziness or motion sickness, and most of them can’t be cured for good.
Now, if you only witness vertigo when you are jumping on a trampoline, then it’s a matter of time and practice. Once your body adapts to these new movements, the episodes will dwindle over time and becomes less intense.
Final Word
So, there’s no doubt that a trampoline can cause dizziness or motion sickness. And trust me when I say this, you are not alone in this.
Instead of allowing it to rain on your parade, take effective steps to prevent and cure this problem so that you can enjoy trampolining minus the pain!
Last Updated on May 20, 2023
