Popular sleep aids before surgery could prevent painkiller dependence later

A review of 16 studies suggests that taking melatonin or zolpidem (Ambien) before surgery may be linked to less anxiety and pain afterwards, as well as lower opioid use in some patients. The findings matter because they point to sleep before surgery as a possible factor in recovery and pain management.

The studies covered more than 1,100 patients who had various procedures between 2000 and 2025. Melatonin was associated with a greater than 30% reduction in opioid use among some abdominal surgery patients; zolpidem was linked to reduced opioid use after colorectal surgery. The review summarised existing research rather than testing a treatment, so its authors said further research is needed and did not make clinical recommendations.