Will smelling salt keep me awake? The surprising truth

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While smelling salts can jolt someone who has fainted back to consciousness by irritating the nasal passages and triggering a gasp, the short-lived effect is not a reliable or safe way to will smelling salt keep me awake? for an extended period.

Quick Summary

Smelling salts provide a momentary jolt of alertness by triggering a breathing reflex, but the effects are too brief for sustained wakefulness and carry potential health risks.

Key Points

Not a Sustainable Solution: Smelling salts provide a short-lived jolt of alertness, lasting less than 60 seconds, and are not effective for sustained wakefulness.
Works by Irritation, Not Stimulation: They function by releasing ammonia gas that irritates nasal passages, triggering an involuntary breath and adrenaline rush, not by stimulating the central nervous system like caffeine.
Serious Health Risks: Misuse can lead to chemical burns in the nasal passages and lungs, respiratory irritation, and complications for individuals with conditions like asthma.
Masks Medical Issues: In sports, using smelling salts can mask the symptoms of a serious head or neck injury, leading to potential long-term harm if the athlete continues to play.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Effective and safe methods for increasing alertness include hydration, exercise, strategic napping, and aromatherapy, which address the root causes of fatigue.
Psychological Dependency: Users can develop a psychological reliance on the jolt, mistakenly believing they cannot perform effectively without it, a phenomenon not supported by scientific evidence.

The History and Mechanism of Smelling Salts

Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, are preparations typically containing ammonium carbonate. The use of these pungent compounds dates back to at least the 13th century, where they were traditionally used to revive individuals who had fainted. The mechanism is straightforward and relies on an irritant reaction rather than a true stimulant effect. When the ammonia gas is inhaled, it irritates the mucous membranes in the nose and lungs. This triggers an involuntary inhalation reflex, causing the user to take a sharp, deep breath. This reflex, in turn, causes a temporary increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood flow to the brain, producing a brief sensation of heightened alertness. It is this startling, fight-or-flight response that can make a person who has fainted regain consciousness.

Why the Alertness Boost is Not Sustainable

For someone who is merely tired or fighting off sleep, the effect of smelling salts is profoundly different from using them to revive a fainted person. Fainting is typically caused by a temporary lack of oxygen reaching the brain, and the involuntary breath can effectively reset this. However, day-to-day fatigue or sleep deprivation is a complex biological state that cannot be solved by a momentary shock to the system. The brief, almost instantaneous effect of the inhalation reflex lasts for only about 60 seconds or less. It does nothing to address the underlying physiological need for rest. You can compare this to the effect of splashing cold water on your face—it's a momentary shock that brings you to attention, but it won't keep you from feeling sleepy for hours. Users can also build up a psychological dependency, believing they need the jolt to perform, even though studies show little to no measurable performance enhancement on its own.

The Real Dangers of Misusing Smelling Salts

Using smelling salts as a regular crutch for staying awake is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful. The risks associated with this misuse far outweigh any perceived benefit. The ammonia fumes are corrosive, and repeated or prolonged inhalation can cause chemical burns to the sensitive tissues of the nasal passages and lungs. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis are especially vulnerable to severe complications. A major concern in sports, particularly boxing, has led to their regulation or banning in some instances: the momentary jolt can mask the symptoms of a serious head or neck injury, leading an athlete to continue competing when they should be seeking immediate medical attention. A reflexive head jerk can also occur, which could exacerbate an underlying neck injury.

Smelling Salts vs. Safe Alternatives for Alertness

Safer, Long-Term Strategies for Alertness

Instead of turning to a dangerous and unsustainable quick fix like smelling salts, numerous safe and effective methods exist to improve alertness and energy levels. These methods address the root causes of fatigue and promote overall health and well-being. A power nap of 15 to 30 minutes can significantly improve alertness and mood without the side effects of chemicals. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your body's natural circadian rhythm, signaling to your body when it's time to be alert. Hydration is key, as even mild dehydration can cause fatigue; drinking enough water throughout the day can prevent energy slumps. A short burst of physical activity, such as a brisk walk or jumping jacks, can increase oxygen flow to the brain and boost endorphins, providing a natural energy lift. Finally, aromatherapy with scents like peppermint, citrus, or coffee can offer a sensory boost to increase focus and alertness.

Conclusion

While smelling salts have a place in history as a way to revive a person who has fainted, their use as a regular tool for staying awake is both ineffective and risky. The momentary jolt they provide is not a sustainable solution for fatigue and doesn't address the underlying need for sleep. The potential for chemical burns, respiratory issues, and the danger of masking a more serious medical condition make them an unwise choice. For anyone seeking to stay awake, safer and more reliable strategies such as proper hydration, moderate exercise, and strategic breaks are far superior and promote better long-term health. The FDA has not approved them for energy boosting, reinforcing that they are a poor substitute for healthy habits. For further reading on the dangers of misuse, the National Center for Biotechnology Information has published research on the topic: Smelling salts - PMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

The energizing effect of smelling salts is very brief, typically lasting for less than a minute. It is a sudden, sharp jolt rather than a sustained period of wakefulness.

No, they are not a safe or effective method for prolonged wakefulness. The risks of chemical burns, respiratory irritation, and masking underlying medical issues far outweigh the temporary jolt they provide.

With repeated or excessive use, the corrosive nature of the ammonia in smelling salts can potentially cause long-term damage to the nasal passages and lung tissue.

Using smelling salts too frequently can lead to side effects such as headaches, nausea, chemical burns inside the nose, and respiratory irritation. It can also create a psychological dependency.

Yes, this is a significant risk, particularly in sports. The jarring effect of smelling salts can temporarily mask the signs of a concussion, leading to delayed medical evaluation and potentially worsening the injury.

Yes, much safer alternatives include getting enough sleep, proper hydration, light exercise, power naps, and using energizing essential oils like peppermint or citrus.

No, scientific studies have shown little to no evidence that smelling salts improve maximal athletic performance, such as strength. Any perceived benefit is likely a psychological boost rather than a physiological one.