Researchers observed that gamers who consumed carbonated water stayed more attentive and reported feeling less tired during hours of continuous gameplay.
The findings showed that sparkling water helped participants maintain attention levels and reduced signs of fatigue more effectively than still water. ( Photo: Pexels)
A simple switch in hydration habits could help gamers maintain focus during long play sessions. A new study has found that drinking sparkling water instead of plain water may improve alertness and reduce fatigue during extended gaming periods.
Researchers observed that gamers who consumed carbonated water stayed more attentive and reported feeling less tired during hours of continuous gameplay. The findings were published in the journal Computers in Human Behaviour Reports.
The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, explored whether sparkling water could serve as a healthier alternative to caffeinated drinks that gamers often rely on to stay focused.
For the study, 14 casual gamers participated in two separate gaming sessions. During each session, participants played a virtual soccer game for three hours. In one session, they drank plain water, while in the other, they consumed sparkling water.
Researchers monitored several indicators, including reaction time, pupil size—often linked to fatigue—physical stress levels, and players’ own reports of tiredness.
The findings showed that sparkling water helped participants maintain attention levels and reduced signs of fatigue more effectively than still water.
According to the researchers, gamers who drank sparkling water experienced smaller increases in subjective fatigue and reported enjoying the sessions more.
Measurements also suggested that their cognitive performance remained steadier during the long gaming sessions. The researchers noted that sparkling water helped preserve executive function and prevented pupil constriction, which can signal mental fatigue.
Interestingly, key physiological markers such as heart rate, blood glucose, and salivary cortisol levels remained similar between the two hydration conditions.
Scientists believe carbonation itself may play a role in boosting alertness. Previous research suggests that carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages can stimulate sensory receptors in the mouth known as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels.
Activation of these receptors may increase arousal in the brain, potentially improving cognitive performance during demanding tasks. While the new study did not directly test this mechanism, the results support the idea that carbonation could influence mental alertness.
Beyond cognitive measures, gamers also appeared to perform slightly better in the game environment.
Participants committed fewer in-game fouls when drinking sparkling water, suggesting improved control during gameplay. However, offensive and defensive performance remained largely unchanged.
Researchers said these results indicate that sparkling water may help reduce both subjective feelings of fatigue and objective signs of cognitive strain during extended esports sessions.
While the experiment focused on esports-style gaming, the researchers say the findings may be relevant to other activities that demand sustained concentration—such as late-night work, studying, or long-distance driving.
A simple, non-caffeinated beverage that helps maintain focus could provide a healthier alternative to energy drinks or excessive coffee consumption.
The researchers acknowledged that part of the study funding came from a soft drinks company that produces sparkling water, and two of the authors are employees of that company.
However, the team stated that the sponsor had no role in the design of the study, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the decision to publish the results.
The study did not compare sparkling water directly with coffee or energy drinks—two beverages widely used by gamers for alertness.
Scientists say future research could examine how sparkling water affects concentration across larger populations and in comparison with other beverages. Further investigation into the biological mechanisms behind the effect is also needed.
