Why Do I Feel Nauseous in the Car?

Car nausea occurs when your inner ear senses motion that your eyes don't detect, creating conflicting sensory signals. This condition, called motion sickness, affects up to 25% of people and happens because your brain receives mixed messages about movement and balance. Your inner ear detects the car's acceleration and turns, but if you're reading or looking down, your eyes see a stationary environment. Common triggers include winding roads, stop-and-go traffic, and sitting in the back seat where motion feels more pronounced. The resulting nausea can range from mild queasiness to severe vomiting, often accompanied by dizziness and cold sweats.