Melatonin and Ambien before surgery may improve sleep, reduce pain and opioid use after surgery

AI Summary

An analysis of 25 years of research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 meeting suggests melatonin or zolpidem before surgery may improve sleep and ease presurgical anxiety. The research also associates better presurgical sleep with reduced postoperative pain and opioid use and improved recovery.

Improving sleep before surgery through the use of melatonin or Ambien (zolpidem) may ease presurgical anxiety, reduce pain after surgery, decrease opioid requirements and help patients recover better, according to an analysis of 25 years of research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting.