Does anaesthetic unconsciousness = restorative sleep?

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The discussion centers on the effects of anesthesia on sleep and its potential long-term implications. Participants question whether being under anesthesia counts as restorative sleep, noting that it lacks dreaming and the experience of time passage, which raises concerns about memory consolidation and overall brain function. Some mention studies indicating that while anesthesia may reduce waste levels in the brain, it does not replicate the active processes of sleep, particularly REM sleep, which is crucial for emotional and cognitive restoration. There are concerns about the long-term effects of anesthesia replacing natural sleep, including potential cognitive decline and increased risks for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Personal experiences with anesthesia reveal varied recovery times and side effects, with some individuals preferring local anesthesia to avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for further research on the differences between sleep and anesthesia and their respective impacts on health.
  • #31
I've had an active life. 13 emergency surgeries in the span of about 30 years for various insults to my body. That does not include 3 colonoscopies and a half dozen tooth implants. I love general anesthesia. Always wake up fine. I had noticed an article in a British Medical Journal that gave a higher risk of dementia for anesthesia patients in a dose response manner. Genetically I'm a low risk for Alzheimer's (APOE 2/3). At 71, so far so good. Went to a party hosted by a physician in the 70's who passed out some anesthesia but not enough to put me out. It was the best hallucinogen I ever tried. 30 minute trip and no side effects. Since the mid 80's I have had nocturnal epilepsy from time to time. I don't take drugs for that anymore but have found that a high dose of melatonin with theanine helps a lot. I sleep well and do not seem to be cognitively impaired yet but perhaps this rambling post is a sign.
 
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  • #32
A recent post from Nature indicated animals in general need sleep to restore mitochondrial electric balance. Without this excess ROS are generated. Certain neurons detect this and make us sleepy. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-mitochondria.html. I suppose anesthesia could do the same thing?
 

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