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A bedtime staple could help curb painkiller dependence after surgery: study
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- New research presented at the 2026 Anesthesiology meeting suggests that improving sleep the night before surgery, using aids like melatonin or Ambien, can reduce pre-surgery anxiety, pain, and enhance overall recovery.
- Better sleep before surgery may decrease the need for opioid painkillers, lowering the risk of opioid dependence and addiction linked to higher opioid exposure and tolerance.
- Analysis of 16 studies found melatonin reduced anxiety, pain, inflammation, and opioid use by up to 30% in some abdominal surgery patients, with benefits including faster return to normal sleep and activity patterns post-surgery.
- Ambien also showed effectiveness in reducing pain, anxiety, and inflammation in surgical patients, particularly benefiting those with preexisting insomnia or significant sleep disturbances.
- Experts highlight melatonin as a gentler option, especially for older adults or those at risk of cognitive side effects from sedatives, while Ambien may be preferred for patients with more severe sleep issues before surgery.
