Scientists in China found that certain kinds of music can ease motion sickness — and others can exacerbate it.
In a new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers used a driving simulator to induce carsickness in participants, then tested how different music types influenced recovery. Cheerful and soft music proved most effective, reducing symptoms by about 57%. Passionate music offered moderate relief, while sad music actually left participants feeling worse than if they had rested in silence.
EEG brain scans showed that carsickness dampened activity in the brain’s occipital lobe, and that recovery was linked to activity returning toward normal — especially when upbeat or relaxing music was played. The team notes that larger, real-world studies are needed, but the findings suggest music could offer a side-effect-free alternative to traditional carsickness medications.
So, for your next road trip, the right playlist won’t just lift your mood — it might keep your stomach happy, too.
