Many people chew gum when they start to feel sleepy while working or studying.
It is often said that “chewing gum improves concentration,” but is there really any scientific basis for this?
In fact, recent research suggests that chewing gum may improve some aspects of attention.
In this article, we look at the relationship between gum and concentration.
Does Chewing Gum Really Improve Focus?
A meta-analysis published in 2024 in the Japanese Journal of Psychology, the academic journal of the Japanese Psychological Association, reported that chewing gum produced a small but significant improvement in “selective attention” (the ability to focus on the information you need).
On the other hand, it does not improve memory or every kind of concentration, and its effects are known to be limited.
In other words, gum is not “an item that dramatically boosts concentration,” but it is thought that it may temporarily support attention.
The Key Is Not the Ingredients but the Chewing
People tend to think “mint flavor clears the head,” but current research suggests that the main effect comes not from the gum’s ingredients but from the act of chewing itself.
Studies have reported that the stimulation of chewing may
• Temporarily increase blood flow to the brain
• Raise alertness
• Help you switch gears and reduce stress
and more.
So it may be that, beyond the refreshing sensation, the act of chewing itself is what helps “sharpen the mind.”
What Truly Matters for Concentration
Gum may help as a change of pace or to fight drowsiness, but its effect is small and temporary.
To maintain concentration,
• Getting enough sleep
• Taking proper breaks
• Not letting stress build up
are far more important.
If you feel that “I can’t stay focused lately” or “my head feels foggy,” it may be a sign that your brain is tired.
Summary
Research suggests that chewing gum may improve some aspects of attention.
However, the reason is thought to lie largely not in the gum’s ingredients, but in the way the act of chewing stimulates the brain.
Chewing gum between work or study sessions may be one way to reset your mind.
On the other hand, to truly improve concentration at its root, it is essential to build healthy daily habits such as sleep and rest.
At La HEAD, we carefully care for not only the head but also the neck and shoulders, offering time for deep relaxation of both mind and body.
Precisely because we push our brains so hard every day, why not consciously make “time to let it rest”?