Long road trips promise adventure, but the reality of sitting motionless for hours can leave drivers feeling drained and uncomfortable. Experts explain that a confusing mix of understimulation and overstimulation batters the body from the moment you turn the key.
“The human brain requires a certain level of stimulation to remain engaged and alert,” John Gaspar, PhD, director of human factors research at the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa, said. His team studies how impairment and distraction affect driving ability, including current projects on reducing drowsiness during overnight drives.
Gaspar explains that the eyes send key signals when fatigue sets in. Even early in a trip, drivers begin shifting in their seats and reaching for ways to stay awake. “At later stages in the drive, drivers will start having microsleep events, where they actually fall asleep for several seconds,” he said. These brief lapses can occur within the first hour or 90 minutes, especially in sleep-deprived drivers.
Common fatigue remedies like rolling down windows or cranking music provide little real benefit, Gaspar noted. Instead, he emphasizes that prolonged sitting creates a paradoxical state where drivers are simultaneously overstimulated by road stress and understimulated by monotonous scenery, a combination that erodes alertness.
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Neck, Shoulders, and Hands Under Pressure
The upper body endures significant strain behind the wheel. “The neck and shoulders suffer disproportionately because drivers actively stabilize the head against vehicle motion while maintaining forward gaze, creating sustained isometric contraction (tightening of the muscle) in the neck flexors and upper trapezius,” Dr. Rosario said.
Stress from handling traffic adds to the tension, with drivers often carrying anxiety in their neck and shoulder muscles. Gripping the steering wheel for hours compounds the problem, as a 2022 study of taxi drivers found handgrip strength decreases due to vehicle vibrations during operation.
Vibrations from the car transmit through the entire body, affecting driving precision and contributing to pain. “Vibration transmission from the vehicle seat amplifies spinal loading, particularly at the lumbar and cervical regions,” Dr. Rosario said. The cervical region of the spine includes the seven vertebrae that support the head.
Lower body muscles also work continuously to press pedals, resulting in repetitive isometric contractions that cause discomfort over time. Extended sitting compresses the buttocks, thighs, and spine, leading to stiffness and increasing risk of blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Average Americans spend about one hour daily behind the wheel, often forgetting they’re operating a 4,000-pound machine subject to constant movement and vibration that affects every body part from the seat to the feet.
Gut Issues and the Impact of Sitting
The compression from a seatbelt on the stomach exacerbates digestive discomfort during long drives. Without movement, the gastrointestinal tract slows, leading to bloating and potential constipation.
Consuming road trip snacks that are low in fiber, high in fat, and salty can further delay stomach emptying. Sodas, sugar-free gums, and caffeine may also contribute to abdominal woes.
The Solution: Stop and Move
For most of the ailments above, the primary solution is to simply pull over. “Once fatigue and drowsiness set in, the best thing a driver can do is stop to rest, even if just for ten to 20 minutes,” Gaspar said.
