It turns out that eye health isn’t the only thing you have to worry about after a total solar eclipse.
After Monday’s historic astronomical event, Americans across the country began complaining of nausea, headaches, and eye pain caused by the eclipse.
“Is it normal to feel a little nauseous afterwards?” YouTuber Hank Green asked in an X post.
One social media user responded: “Totally disgusting.”
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Many Americans are complaining of nausea, eye pain, headaches, and menstrual abnormalities due to the 2024 total solar eclipse. (Getty Images / iStock)
Another participant said, “My whole body felt so buzzy, especially my head. That’s why I had to get my eyes checked! At least I didn’t think I would damage my retina while looking at it.” There wasn’t!” he exclaimed.
Women on social media also mentioned changes in their menstrual cycles, with many claiming that their periods started late on Monday due to the eclipse.
“It’s no coincidence that my period was delayed by 6 days just because it coincided with a solar eclipse,” one commentator wrote.
“Does anyone else get their period right after watching a solar eclipse??” another X user asked.
Dr. Nicole Safier told Fox News Digital that much of the “eclipse sickness” may be caused by superstition.
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People watch the beginning of a total solar eclipse on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, on April 8, 2024. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“As far as I know, there is no physical connection between solar eclipses and human health,” she explained. “People who are experiencing some symptoms may be experiencing superstitions rather than actual physical effects.”
“Just like when there’s a full moon in the healthcare industry, you can always expect a busy night in the emergency room,” Safia added. “Maybe there’s some truth to it somewhere, but my guess is that superstition plays a bigger role.”
But Dr. Mark Siegel, a professor at New York University Langone Medical Center, told Fox News Digital that he believes some of the negative health effects have a medical basis.
Dr. Siegel explained that flicker vertigo (vertigo caused by flickering bright lights) may be the cause of the recent illness.
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The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse as seen from Luna Pier, Michigan, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancia)
“I think the so-called ‘flicker’ is real, especially for people with underlying tendencies such as balance issues, dizziness, and headaches,” Siegel explained.
“I think the headaches, nausea, dizziness and anxiety that last for up to 24 hours are due to the confusion felt by the sudden change in light caused by the eclipse, especially if you’re sensitive.”
NASA claims that as long as you use proper eye protection when viewing a solar eclipse, there will be no negative health effects.
During the 2017 solar eclipse, NASA said, “There is no physical relationship between a total solar eclipse and health, just as there is a relationship between health and a new moon.”
“You might find such a correlation from time to time in a random sample of people, but it outweighs all other occasions when they were in good health.”
A matrix road sign in Lackawanna, New York, displays a message for drivers regarding the solar eclipse that occurred on April 8, 2024. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital has reached out to NASA for comment.
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