How long do the effects of energy drinks last?

Posted on October 7, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

How long do the effects of energy drinks last?
The duration of caffeine in an energy drink lasts about 2 to 4 hours, while the sugar lasts around 1 to 2 hours. Therefore, the overall effect of an energy drink typically lasts about 2 hours.

Now, let's take a closer look at the duration and effects of both sugar and caffeine.

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Duration of Sugar

How long do energy drink effects last?
An energy drink contains the same amount of sugar as cola or orange juice. Consuming sugar raises blood sugar levels, providing energy to the brain and body.

Since sugar is rapidly absorbed, you may have experienced how eating something sweet when you're tired can help you relax and relieve fatigue.

Blood sugar reaches its peak within 1 to 2 hours. For fast-absorbing sugar, blood sugar will rapidly decrease after reaching its peak, so the peak duration of sugar is roughly 1 to 2 hours.

Duration of Caffeine

How long do energy drink effects last?
Caffeine peaks 15 to 60 minutes after consumption. On average, it reaches its peak within about 30 minutes. After that, it gradually decreases, and it is said that after 2 to 4 hours, it is reduced by about half (leaving you with little to no effect).

Therefore, the duration of caffeine's effect is approximately 1 hour.

The duration of an energy drink's effects is typically 1 to 2 hours

By examining the durations of sugar and caffeine, it is safe to assume that the effects of an energy drink last about 1 to 2 hours.

Short duration makes energy drinks unsuitable for staying up all night

On social media, you might come across posts like, "I couldn't sleep all night after drinking Monster Energy," but as mentioned earlier, since the effects peak quickly and the duration is relatively short, a can or two of energy drink does not have the potential to keep you awake all night.

No sudden drop in effects

By the way, once the estimated duration of an energy drink's effect passes, there’s generally no sudden loss of effect or sudden onset of fatigue, so there's no need to worry.

If you experience dramatic fatigue or drowsiness after 1 or 2 hours from drinking cola, orange juice (containing the same amount of sugar), or coffee (containing the same amount of caffeine), you should be cautious (and go to a doctor if necessary). However, if this doesn't happen to you, there’s no need to worry about energy drinks since they are at a similar level to those drinks.

It’s okay to rely on it temporarily during the first hour or so

If you have a short period (about an hour) of intense physical activity, studying, or driving without sleep, using the energy drink for its temporary effects can be quite helpful.