Taking melatonin or Ambien (zolpidem) before surgery might help reduce pain and make recovery easier, as suggested by new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 meeting in San Diego on October 18. This study highlights that improving sleep with these sleep aids could calm anxiety and lower pain levels after surgical procedures.
The research involved analyzing 16 different studies that included over 1,100 patients undergoing various surgeries like those related to the abdomen, gynecology, orthopedics, urology, and dental fields from 2000 to 2025. The results indicated that melatonin, which is often taken the night before surgery or shortly before anesthesia, could be particularly beneficial for older individuals who may be more prone to confusion after undergoing surgery. Melatonin doses ranged from 1 mg to 20 mg, while Ambien was consistently given at a dosage of 10 mg, either the night before or several nights before the procedure.
Melatonin acts as a natural sleep hormone that regulates sleep cycles, while Ambien works on specific receptors in the brain to create a calming effect. The findings from this analysis revealed that melatonin was linked to lower anxiety, less pain, and reduced inflammation, alongside a notable decrease in opioid medication usage among certain patients, particularly those undergoing abdominal surgery.
Patients who took Ambien also reported improved sleep quality prior to surgery and experienced less postoperative pain. Specifically, those who underwent colorectal surgery while taking Ambien required fewer opioids immediately following their procedures and showed lower levels of inflammation. Similarly, patients recovering from hip replacements experienced reduced anxiety and were generally more satisfied with their recovery.
However, it’s important to note that this research is a review of existing studies and cannot definitively provide clinical recommendations or evaluate potential biases. Researchers stress that further studies are needed to draw more solid conclusions.
Dr. Sebastian Amaya, the senior author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Yale School of Medicine, expressed that it makes sense that better sleep leads to better recovery outcomes. He emphasized sleep’s vital role in overall health, including immune function, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. In the studies reviewed, both melatonin and Ambien were shown to minimize pain and lower the need for opioids.
Amaya explained that sleep has a strong connection to pain perception. He noted that various hormones tied to pain are also influenced by sleep; thus, individuals with sleep disorders may experience heightened pain levels post-surgery. Optimized sleep before surgery could ease pain, contributing to a smoother recovery.
Currently, opioids are commonly prescribed following surgical procedures, but research indicates that increased reliance on these drugs post-surgery could lead to long-term use issues. Though the potential for improved sleep to lessen the need for opioids is encouraging, Amaya cautioned that the findings require further examination.
Experts recommend that individuals consider discussing sleep improvement strategies with their doctors ahead of surgery. Amaya pointed out that many individuals may struggle with sleep quality due to modern lifestyle factors, which could exacerbate postoperative pain issues.
Dr. Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist and senior scientist, commented on the study’s findings, stating that they resonate well with the understanding of sleep’s importance in healing and recovery. She noted that it’s normal for patients to feel anxious and have disrupted sleep before major surgeries and that short-term solutions, such as sleep aids, may be beneficial for some.
Troxel also mentioned that anyone thinking about using melatonin or Ambien should consult their surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure these options are suitable for them. Despite the study’s limitations, she found the results intriguing and potentially impactful for surgical patient care.
In summary, better sleep before surgery could lead to reduced pain and improved recovery, with melatonin and Ambien being possible options to consider. As always, it’s essential for patients to discuss their options with healthcare providers to find the best solutions suited to their needs.
