Common sleep medications may offer major benefit in reducing opioid us

Key Points:

• New research presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 suggests taking melatonin or Ambien before surgery may reduce anxiety, postsurgical pain, inflammation, and opioid use, potentially leading to smoother recoveries.
• The analysis reviewed 16 studies involving over 1,100 patients undergoing various surgeries, finding melatonin associated with over 30% reduction in opioid use in some abdominal surgeries and benefits for older adults in reducing confusion.
• Ambien helped patients with pre-existing sleep issues sleep better pre-surgery and was linked to less pain, lower inflammation, and reduced opioid needs, particularly in colorectal and hip replacement surgeries.
• Researchers emphasize that while improved sleep appears to positively influence pain and recovery, more research is needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term effects, as current studies did not follow patients beyond the immediate postoperative period.
• Experts advise patients to consult their surgical and anesthesia teams before using sleep aids preoperatively, highlighting that sleep quality is crucial for recovery but sleep medications are not generally recommended for long-term use.