The COVID19 pandemic is creating unprecedented levels of sleep deprivation, presenting a significant risk to our mental and physical health. Now, a new randomized controlled cross-over pilot trial published online in Neurophysiology explains that high doses of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) are just as effective as caffeine in raising alertness in sleep deprived men and women. Importantly, this research is the first of its kind to show that hydrogen water and caffeine had an impact on different domains of alertness. Specifically, the study results demonstrate that; hydrogen improves orienting to sensory stimulation, while caffeine alters awareness and executive attention that refers to the ability to control our attention and ongoing cognitive processes, including thoughts and feelings.

Dr. Ismail Laher, professor in the department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia and a distinguished sleep disturbance expert said, “Sleep deprivation poses a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, obesity, diabetes and a weakened immune system. Importantly, sleep disturbances also lead to cognitive impairments and risks of motor vehicle accidents. Many people who are sleep deprived reach for a caffeinated product to stay alert. While a few cups of coffee are safe for most people, it is important to consider issues of caffeine addiction/withdrawal and the variable metabolism of caffeine in different people. Energy drinks and energy shots are also of concern, especially for children, adolescents and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Alternatives to caffeine that are shown to provide the same degree of alertness are promising but should be thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy.”

This randomized controlled cross-over pilot trial, compared the acute effects of single-dose of HRW and caffeine on alertness, as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Attention Network Test (ANT) sub-scales in 23 young healthy men and women, who were sleep-deprived for 24 hours. It was found that caffeine induced a significant increase in VAS-estimated alertness (1.6 points); HRW also increased VAS alertness (1.7 points). Both caffeine and HRW acutely affected markers of alertness in young sleep-deprived men and women; caffeine induced a significant drop in alerting (19.9%) and executive control in a 15-min follow up (7.3%), while HRW caused a significant reduction in the orientation at post-administration (2.4%). However, no differences were found between interventions for all evaluated outcomes of alertness, with the effects similar among HRW and caffeine. Importantly, HRW displayed no side effects and, therefore, might be advanced as a safe and effective alternative to caffeine to counter the effects of sleep deprivation, although more studies are needed to corroborate and expand these preliminary findings.

Dr. Sergej Ostojic, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia,  and senior author of the Neurophysiology study said, “This preliminary non-inferiority trial allowed us to find that both caffeine and hydrogen-rich water acutely affected markers of alertness in young sleep-deprived men and women, with the effects similar between interventions. Nevertheless, it appears that HRW and caffeine had an impact on different domains of alertness; hydrogen improves orienting to sensory stimulation, while caffeine alters awareness and executive attention which refers to the ability to regulate responses in conflict situations. HRW perhaps galvanizes the orienting network in the brain that may play a role in various everyday circumstances that require directing of attention to a specific stimulus. HRW also displayed no undesirable effects after single-dose interventions and, therefore, might be suggested as a rather safe and effective alternative to caffeine for correction of the results of sleep deprivation.” 

The VAS is a general psychometric measurement response scale that measures alertness across a continuum of values from 0 to 10, with a higher score indicating better alertness. The ANT is a tool designed to test three attentional networks, with the efficiency of the alerting network examined by changes in the reaction time resulting from a warning signal, with lower raw scores (e.g., less time needed to respond) representing better performance. 

Alex Tarnava, Chief Executive Officer of Drink HRW said, “Sleep deprivation, poor diet, and countless other stressors we are bombarded with every day contribute to disruptions in many of the most critical functions of our bodies. Molecular hydrogen has shown across 1500 publications and 85 human studies to play a corrective role in restoring many of these proper functions, such as improving metabolic markers, promoting a healthy inflammatory response, and supporting the delicate harmony between our bodies’ natural levels of antioxidants and beneficial oxidative stressors.”  

“At Drink HRW we deliver the highest dosage and concentration of hydrogen in water, instantly available anywhere in the world. We are committed to supporting research around the world to better understand this important and fascinating molecule. We work with researchers to search for the truth, believing strongly that the researchers, not private companies, should have the sole authority to design their studies and decide to publish results. We believe pursuit of the truth and integrity in research is the best path towards long-term growth.” 

“This is a small pilot study that was pursued to explore some of the most common anecdotal evidence we see and hear. With these preliminary results, we are confident it will lead to larger and better controlled studies involving more participants, groups and measurements.” 

Drink HRW supplied the hydrogen tablets for the study, while having no other involvement in the research.