For some people, reading in a moving vehicle is a great way to pass the time. However, for others, it can lead to a bout of motion sickness. According to neuropsychiatrist Dr. Ooha Susmita, this occurs due to a "sensory mismatch" between the systems responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When reading in a moving car, your brain perceives motion through your inner ear, while your eyes focus on a stationary object. This mismatch creates a disruption in the body's normal sense of balance, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes, vomiting.
Reading in a moving car makes the sensory mismatch even worse as it requires focused attention and fine visual tracking. Additionally, your peripheral vision is not perceiving motion, even though your inner ear is feeling the motion of the car. It's important to note that not everyone experiences motion sickness, and sensitivities to these issues vary from person to person.
For those who do experience motion sickness, Dr. Susmita recommends limiting or altogether avoiding reading while in a moving vehicle. While it may be disappointing news for book lovers, it's better to prioritize your comfort and avoid the unpleasant symptoms associated with motion sickness.