Up to one in five people feel sick when travelling in a car as a passenger, according to the RAC. Whether you are driving on holiday or stuck in traffic for the school run, the physical reaction can turn a simple trip into an ordeal. Research by Euro Car Parts identified the specific triggers that make these journeys unpleasant.
The leading triggers for motion sickness
The study ranked ten factors that contribute to feeling sick while travelling. Some of the results might surprise you. Reading a book or magazine is the top trigger at 39 percent of respondents. Travelling backwards causes issues for 38 percent, while sitting in the back seat affects 31 percent.
Other common factors include travelling while tired, which impacts 17 percent of people, and drinking alcohol before the trip, which affects 16 percent. A lesser-known cause is travelling while hungry, which impacts 14.7 percent. Standing on public transport triggers sickness for 11 percent of sufferers. Interestingly, travelling immediately after eating causes issues for only 6 percent of people.
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Dr Sarah Brewer, a GP, explains the physical cause of these symptoms. The problem stems from overstimulation of motion-sensing cells inside the inner ear. For 66 percent of sufferers, this results in a feeling of nausea. Vomiting is experienced by 31 percent, while 30 percent report a general feeling of being unwell.
Managing food and drink before you leave
Food and drink play a significant role in how the body reacts to movement. Dr Brewer advises against travelling on an empty stomach, but warns that the wrong food choices can also cause trouble. A light meal 45 to 60 minutes before a journey is recommended to settle the stomach. Eating bland snacks on the move can also help maintain stability.
The temptation to stop at a motorway services for a greasy takeaway is best avoided. Fatty foods are likely to upset the stomach during travel. Alcohol acts as a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which exacerbates the feeling of nausea. Even if you are not the designated driver, it is best to skip the drinks.
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What to do once you are in the car
Reducing visual distractions is a practical step to prevent sickness. You should put down your mobile phone and stop trying to read that magazine. Instead, focus your eyes on the horizon or look out of the window. Playing simple in-car games like I-Spy can keep your eyes scanning the surroundings without causing strain.
A stuffy, confined space can induce sickness, especially when combined with the motion of a car. Lowering the windows to let in a breeze is often more effective than relying on air conditioning. You should also consider the driving style of the person behind the wheel. A smooth and steady drive is far more likely to result in a vomit-free journey than erratic driving or handling twisty roads. Taking a refreshing break away from the car on long trips can also help manage symptoms.
While these steps can help, the physical reaction to motion is complex. The brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes and the inner ear when a vehicle moves, which confuses the body’s sense of balance. This sensory mismatch is why simple changes in posture or diet can sometimes fail to stop the feeling of nausea, regardless of how carefully you plan the trip.