Should I sleep before surgery?

It is important that you get a good night's sleep before your surgery. If you find you are nervous or anxious the night before, you can take an over-the-counter sleep aid. If you are already on a nerve medication, e.g., diazepam, please contact your primary care doctor for instructions.
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How many hours should you sleep before surgery?

If you're getting general anesthesia, the doctor will probably ask you to stop 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Many will tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your operation. That's because anesthesia makes you sleepy and relaxed.
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What happens if you don't sleep before anesthesia?

Sleep deprivation significantly potentiated the ability of inhaled and intravenous anesthetic agents to induce a loss of righting reflex.
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What should you not do before surgery?

Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your scheduled surgery. Do not chew gum or use any tobacco products. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Take out removable teeth prior to transfer to the operating room and do not wear glasses or contact lenses in the OR.
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What can I take to sleep before surgery?

Common sleep medications such as Ambien, Ativan, or Valium taken at 10 pm won't complicate the anesthetic course which begins 9 hours or more into the future on the following day.
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Anesthesia sedation: What to expect



Do you pee under general anesthesia?

Urination Problems

General anesthesia paralyzes the bladder muscles. This can make it not only hard to pee, but impact your ability to recognize you have to urinate altogether. Additionally, many surgeries involve the placement of a Foley catheter—a tube put in the body to drain urine from the bladder.
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Do you breathe on your own under general anesthesia?

Do you stop breathing during general anesthesia? No. After you're unconscious, your anesthesiologist places a breathing tube in your mouth and nose to make sure you maintain proper breathing during the procedure.
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Why do I have to wash my hair before surgery?

Hair: Many hair products and hair pieces contain highly flammable products. Your safety is our first priority. That's why we require that you wash your hair the night before or the morning of surgery using only shampoo and conditioner. DO NOT use any other hair products after washing.
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Why do you have to take two showers before surgery?

This is because all humans have germs on their skin that may cause an infection after surgery. Taking two showers (one at night and one in the morning) with CHG soap removes germs and reduces the risk of infection. Your doctor's office will give you the CHG soap and showering instructions.
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Can I wear pajamas to surgery?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can fit over a bulky dressing. Wear shorts, sweat pants, pajama pants, skirt or dress. Do not wear jeans.
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How does an anesthesiologist know you're asleep?

While you are under anaesthesia your vital signs are constantly monitored to make sure you are 'asleep' and not feeling any pain. There is continuous monitoring of the electrical activity in your heart, the amount of oxygen in your blood, your pulse rate, and blood pressure.
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What do doctors do if you wake up during surgery?

If during your surgery there's any indication that you are waking up or becoming aware, your surgical team will increase your level of sedation to achieve the desired effect. You'll also be monitored for signs of overdose. If this happens, your sedation may be reduced or even reversed.
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How do doctors wake you up from anesthesia?

When the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist reverses the medications to wake you up. You'll slowly wake either in the operating room or the recovery room. You'll probably feel groggy and a little confused when you first wake.
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How long does general anesthesia take to wear off?

General anaesthetics can affect your memory, concentration and reflexes for a day or two, so it's important for a responsible adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your operation, if you're allowed to go home.
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Is anxiety before surgery normal?

It is totally normal to feel anxious before surgery. Even if operations can restore your health or even save lives, most people feel uncomfortable about “going under the knife.” It is important to make sure that fears and anxiety don't become too overwhelming.
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How do I prepare myself for surgery?

Preparing Yourself Emotionally and Physically for Surgery
  1. Practice relaxation exercises.
  2. Perform deep-breathing exercises.
  3. Think positively.
  4. Use visualization and imaging techniques.
  5. Learn about managing pain after surgery.
  6. Share questions and concerns with your doctor.
  7. Review last minute instructions.
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Can I brush my teeth before surgery?

Yes. You may brush your teeth and swish with a small amount of water to rinse.
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How should I wear my hair for surgery?

If you have long hair, consider braiding it or putting it in a ponytail. Don't put on makeup or use any hair products. Remove your contact lenses and wear your eye glasses to the hospital (if this applies to you)
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Can I shave my armpits before surgery?

To reduce the risk of surgical site infection, please follow these important guidelines: 1. Do not shave or wax any area on your body for a week before surgery (legs, bikini, underarms, etc.). Shaving can nick the skin and increase the risk of wound infection.
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Do you have to sleep on clean sheets before surgery?

Have clean freshly laundered bed sheets, towels and pajamas ready for use the evening prior to surgery. Do not shave your pubic hair the day before or the day of surgery. If you would like to warm wipes prior to use, please place closed packet in a bowl of warm water at bathwater temperature. Do not microwave.
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Why do you wear socks during surgery?

Graduated compression stockings help prevent blood pooling and clotting in lower leg veins. Guidelines recommend their use in combination with anti-clotting medicines for patients with a moderate or high risk of VTE undergoing planned surgery.
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Why shouldnt you wear deodorant before surgery?

Why can't I wear deodorant to surgery? Deodorants can have alcohol in them. We use a diathermy machine which can make a little spark, and we really don't want to have an explosion because there's alcohol in your armpit.
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What happens if you stop breathing while under anesthesia?

Hypoxia can cause brain damage or even damage to other organs. The longer this occurs, the more damage there will be. If this does occur to a patient, it can result in depression, heart failure, an increased heart rate, and even high blood pressure long after the surgery is completed.
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Why do they put tubes down throat during surgery?

A tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe. During surgery or the procedure, the physician anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs to make sure they are normal and steady while you remain unconscious and free of pain.
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What are the 4 stages of anesthesia?

They divided the system into four stages:
  • Stage 1: Induction. The earliest stage lasts from when you first take the medication until you go to sleep. ...
  • Stage 2: Excitement or delirium. ...
  • Stage 3: Surgical anesthesia. ...
  • Stage 4: Overdose.
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