Here is a blog post designed to be informative and shareable, focusing on the hidden causes of car sickness.

Why Do I Get Car Sick? 5 Triggers You Didn’t Know About

It starts with a yawn. Then, you get a little warm. Suddenly, the fun road trip you were excited about turns into a desperate countdown to the next rest stop.

Car sickness (a form of motion sickness) occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals. Your inner ear detects motion, but your eyes—often focused on the seat in front of you or a phone screen—signal that you are sitting still. This sensory mismatch causes your brain to panic, triggering nausea.

But while “motion” is the root cause, there are hidden catalysts that can turn a mild annoyance into a full-blown disaster. If you feel like you get sick easier than others, one of these 5 hidden triggers might be to blame.

1. The “Digital Trap” (Screen Scrolling)

In the modern age, this is the #1 culprit. It is tempting to kill time by scrolling through Instagram or answering emails, but looking down at a static screen is the fastest way to confuse your brain.

Why it happens: Your peripheral vision is your brain’s motion detector. When you look down at a phone, your peripheral vision sees the stationary floor or your lap, telling your brain “we aren’t moving.” Meanwhile, your body feels every bump and turn.

• The Fix: Audiobooks and podcasts are your best friends. Keep your eyes up and on the horizon.

2. The Olfactory Assault (Strong Smells)

Have you ever noticed that a “new car smell” or a heavy air freshener makes you feel instantly queasy? The connection between your nose and your stomach is powerful.

Why it happens: Strong odors—whether it’s fast food, cigarette smoke, or even floral perfumes—can lower your nausea threshold. If your vestibular system is already on edge, a strong smell can tip the scale.

• The Fix: Keep the car neutral. Avoid strong air fresheners and open the windows to circulate fresh air before the trip starts.

3. The “Empty Tank” Mistake

Many people skip a meal before a trip, thinking, “If I don’t eat, I can’t throw up.” This is actually a myth that can backfire.

Why it happens: An empty stomach is unstable. Without food to buffer it, stomach acid sloshes around more violently, and hunger contractions (gastric tachygastria) can mimic the rhythm of nausea, tricking your body into feeling sick sooner.

• The Fix: Eat a light, bland snack about 45 minutes before leaving. Crackers or a piece of toast are perfect for settling gastric rhythms.

4. Poor Ventilation (The CO2 Trap)

A stuffy car is a recipe for sickness. When a car is packed with passengers and the windows are up, carbon dioxide levels rise, and the temperature increases.

Why it happens: Heat serves as a vasodilator (expanding blood vessels), which can worsen the feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness associated with motion sickness. Stale air signals “claustrophobia” to the brain, heightening the stress response.

• The Fix: Blast the AC or crack a window. Cold air on the face is a proven way to reduce the immediate sensation of nausea.

5. The “Passenger Anxiety” Loop

Sometimes, the trigger isn’t the car—it’s your brain remembering the last time you were in the car.

Why it happens: This is a Pavlovian response. If you frequently get sick, your brain begins to associate the smell of the car or the sound of the engine with vomiting. You might start feeling queasy before you’ve even left the driveway because your anxiety levels spike, priming your nervous system to overreact.

• The Fix: Distraction is key. Engage in conversation, listen to upbeat music, or use physical tools (like acupressure bands) to provide a sensation of control and relief.

Summary

You can’t always control the road, but you can control your environment. By putting down the phone, keeping the air cool, and eating a light snack, you can significantly raise your tolerance.

Do you have a go-to trick for surviving long car rides? Let us know in the comments!