If you’re facing surgery, there’s a useful resource you might have right on your bedside table.
Statistics show that about one in nine people undergo surgery each year. The night before, they’re often busy preparing—fasting, coordinating transport, and packing their bags. But, interestingly, they might overlook something that could really make a difference.
Recent research indicates that a simple method can alleviate not only the anxiety leading up to surgery but also pain levels and overall recovery. Reducing pain can notably cut down on the necessity for pain medications, potentially lessening the risk of developing dependence.
So, how does this work? Utilizing an aid like over-the-counter melatonin or a prescription medication such as Ambien to ensure a restful night’s sleep prior to surgery might be the answer, according to a new analysis shared at the 2026 Anesthesiology meeting.
“While our focus often lies on what transpires during surgery, our review highlights a crucial opportunity to enhance outcomes in the evenings leading up to the procedure,” explained Dr. Sebastian Amaya, the study’s senior author.
“Improving sleep before surgery can contribute to a more comfortable recovery, while also reducing the need for stronger painkillers and the associated risks,” he added.
This underscores a simple truth: perhaps sleep is indeed the best medicine.
The relationship between sleep and opioid addiction
It’s common for individuals to lie awake before their surgery, fretting about what’s to come. This sleep deprivation can lead to heightened sensitivity to pain, prompting doctors to prescribe more pain relief—often opioids—to manage discomfort.
Exposure to opioids increases the chances of addiction.
According to addiction medicine specialist Dr. Holly Geyer, “When opioids are prescribed for too long or at excessive doses, complications such as addiction can arise.”
She elaborated, showing that the brain may develop a craving for the drug beyond its intended purpose. Tolerance can also emerge, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects.
This research suggests that even a small step toward better sleep may help to disrupt this dangerous cycle.
Melatonin versus Ambien
Researchers reviewed 16 studies involving patients across various types of surgeries, including abdominal and orthopedic procedures, from 2000 to 2025.
The findings showed that taking melatonin—doses ranging from 1 to 20 mg—was linked to reduced anxiety, lowered pain and inflammation, and an impressive 30% decrease in opioid use among certain abdominal surgery patients.
In these studies, patients typically consumed melatonin the night before surgery and/or around 20 to 90 minutes before anesthesia.
Melatonin is a popular over-the-counter supplement, utilized by more than 5 million adults and 4 million children each month for sleep support. It’s a natural substance that tends to have a gentler impact compared to prescription sleep medications like Ambien.
Dr. Amaya noted that melatonin could be especially beneficial for those anxious about surgery, older adults at risk of respiratory complications, and individuals who might be sensitive to the cognitive side effects of other sedatives.
Interestingly, findings from studies tracking patients with smartwatches indicated that melatonin also assisted in restoring normal sleeping patterns and daytime activity post-surgery.
That being said, Ambien has also proven effective for improving sleep prior to surgery, correlating with decreased pain levels afterward.
One study suggested that patients who took Ambien for colorectal surgery required less opioid medication during and shortly after the procedure, along with lower inflammatory markers.
Another study found that those undergoing hip replacements reported feeling less anxious and depressed, experiencing a smoother recovery after taking Ambien.
While melatonin is milder, Dr. Amaya remarked, “Ambien might be the better choice for patients who suffer from existing insomnia or significant disruptions to their sleep.”
