Why Do People Get Carsick?

[DelAdeline]

When riding in a car, the passenger's mind is in a relatively relaxed state. The balance system in your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes see a stationary view, especially when using a mobile phone in the car. The mismatch between visual signals and balance perception signals causes intense conflict in the brain, leading to a state where the brain processes information like a "runaway program," entering a self-correcting loop that results in symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Some cars, especially high-end models with leather interiors and excellent window sealing, emit odors from leather or industrial adhesives. These unpleasant smells can make the already self-correcting brain even more uncomfortable upon receiving olfactory signals, intensifying the feeling of carsickness. Carsickness occurs when passengers experience nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and other clinical symptoms due to the vestibular system's inability to adapt to the continuous motion of the vehicle, making it a very uncomfortable experience.