Pre-surgery sleep aids may reduce future painkiller reliance

New research suggests that taking melatonin or Ambien before surgery may reduce post-operative pain, anxiety, and opioid use. The analysis of over 1,100 patients across various surgical procedures found that pre-surgery use of these sleep aids improved recovery, with melatonin showing particular benefits for older adults. While the findings are preliminary and further studies are needed, experts emphasize sleep's key role in pain management and healing.