Energy Drinks for Study and Exercise: Real Risks

During tests, exams and training, it is easy to look for a quick solution to tiredness. Energy drinks may provide a temporary boost, but they do not address the cause of exhaustion, while regular consumption may adversely affect sleep and well-being.

The issue is particularly important for adolescents, whose bodies may be more sensitive to stimulants. An energy drink is not simply a soft drink, nor does it automatically serve as a suitable hydration drink during exercise.

Energy drinks are not a real solution to sleep deprivation

Caffeine may reduce feelings of tiredness, but it cannot replace restful sleep. If someone uses an energy drink to keep studying in the evening, they may find it harder to fall asleep later and feel tired again the next day. This can easily become a self-perpetuating cycle: stimulation in the evening disrupts sleep, while sleep deprivation encourages further caffeine consumption.

Another consequence of regular use may be that the same stimulating effect becomes less noticeable. This may lead someone to seek caffeinated drinks more frequently or in larger quantities. The habit is not limited to energy drinks, so caffeine from coffee, tea, cola and some pre-workout products should also be considered together.

What do the data on young people show?

According to a study published in Orvosi Hetilap, the prevalence of energy drink consumption among adolescents ranged from 50% to 70% in some Hungarian and international surveys. This does not mean that everyone concerned consumes them regularly or in large quantities, but it clearly indicates that these drinks are part of everyday life for many young people.

According to the explanatory memorandum to Act XVII of 2025, nearly 500 cases of illness associated with energy drink consumption have been reported to the public health authority since 2011, and 74% of those affected were under 18. The same document states that 10% of Hungarian upper-primary and secondary school pupils consumed energy drinks daily, while alcohol was consumed alongside them in 22% of the reported cases.

These reports do not, by themselves, reveal the consumption habits of all young people in Hungary, nor do they automatically prove a causal relationship in every case involving symptoms. They do, however, indicate that a significant proportion of illnesses linked to energy drinks involved minors.

What symptoms and risks may occur?

According to guidance from the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority, the nervous and cardiovascular systems of a developing body may be particularly sensitive to stimulants. The authority lists abnormal heart rhythms, increased strain on the circulatory system, sleep disorders and anxiety among the possible consequences.

According to an earlier public health and medical guidance document, children may experience symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat and agitation at caffeine intakes above 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, while a dose of 15 milligrams per kilogram is considered toxic. Individual sensitivity may vary, so no single general quantity can be used to draw personal conclusions for every child or adolescent.

Medical assistance is necessary in cases of severe palpitations, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, confusion or repeated illness. The information provided here is general and does not replace a medical examination or personalised advice.

Claims of better academic performance may be misleading

The appeal of energy drinks is understandable: a rapid boost may create the impression that it is easier to concentrate or study for longer. Short-term alertness, however, is not the same as retaining knowledge over the long term, particularly if stimulation reduces the time spent sleeping.

According to Telex's report on an international review covering 57 studies, energy drink consumption among young people was associated with poorer academic performance, as well as attention and anxiety problems. An association does not necessarily indicate a direct causal relationship: greater pressure, insufficient sleep and energy drink consumption may, for example, be mutually reinforcing factors.

During periods of study, it is therefore important to consider not only the drink consumed but also the underlying daily routine. If energy drinks are regularly used to keep performing despite exhaustion, it is worth addressing workload, rest and time management together.

What goes into the bottle matters before exercise too

Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks. The former are primarily stimulant products, while sports drinks may be formulated for different purposes; for ordinary, moderate exercise, water and regular meals often provide the essential foundation.

According to an expert article by WEBBeteg, the combined effects of ingredients in energy drinks during or after exercise may increase strain on the circulatory system and contribute to the risk of dehydration. This finding comes from a secondary health source and therefore cannot be regarded as an individual prognosis applicable in every situation.

Safe fluid and energy replacement depends on the duration and intensity of exercise, temperature, health status and individual needs. For competitive sport, prolonged exertion or an existing medical condition, a sports physician or dietitian can provide personalised guidance.

What does the regulation prohibit for under-18s?

Under the rule set out in the explanatory memorandum to the Act, drinks whose methylxanthine content exceeds 15 milligrams per 100 millilitres, or which contain both methylxanthine and any of the specified additional stimulants, may not be sold or served to people under 18. The memorandum cites taurine, ginseng, guarana and L-arginine as examples.

The restriction limits access for minors, but it does not by itself address every form of excessive caffeine intake. Caffeine may also be present in other drinks and products, so prevention also involves understanding labels, providing information at home and at school, and recognising the causes of excessive demands.

Simpler alternatives for studying and exercise

There is no immediate solution to tiredness in every situation, but a few consistent habits may reduce the need for stimulant drinks. These are not treatments, but general lifestyle options; persistent exhaustion should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

• Before studying: regular meals and adequate fluid intake may help prevent hunger or thirst from presenting as tiredness.
• While studying: short breaks, movement and fresh air can make it easier to maintain concentration than one long, uninterrupted session.
• In the evening: it is worth organising tasks so that stimulation does not push bedtime progressively later.
• For exercise: in general, water, food suited to the level of exertion and proper recovery are more important foundations than stimulants.
• When reading labels: it is advisable to check not only whether a product is described as an “energy drink”, but also its ingredients and caffeine content.

The key is to address the cause of tiredness

Energy drinks may temporarily mask tiredness, but they cannot replace sleep, a balanced diet, fluids and recovery. It is particularly concerning if someone can no longer study or exercise without them, consumes increasing amounts, experiences sleep problems, or reports palpitations or anxiety.

The ban is an important safeguard for minors, but lasting change also requires recognising sources of caffeine and addressing an overloaded daily schedule. Medical advice should be sought in cases of recurring symptoms, illness or consumption that is difficult to reduce.