Additional postoperative dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray improves objective sleep structure and reduces subjective sleep deterioration in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery
In a single-blind RCT of 80 patients, those receiving an additional 75 μg dexmedetomidine nasal spray on the night of surgery had longer total sleep time (P=0.030), higher proportion of deep sleep (P=0.040), fewer awakenings (P=0.020), and a higher proportion without subjective sleep deterioration (25.0% vs 5.0%, P=0.012) compared to controls. No significant difference was found in total Athens Insomnia Scale score (P=0.771).
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Additional postoperative dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray improves objective sleep structure and reduces subjective sleep deterioration in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Additional postoperative dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray improves objective sleep structure and reduces subjective sleep deterioration in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery
This conclusion is most relevant to: 80 patients undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery (June 2024 to December 2024).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effect of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray on Anxiety and Sleep in Patients Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery. (Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Dexmedetomidine activates central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
- ▸Reduces noradrenergic activity and promotes sedation
- ▸Enhances non-REM sleep and stabilizes sleep architecture
- ▸Result: Improved objective sleep parameters and reduced subjective sleep deterioration
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸80 patients undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery (June 2024 to December 2024)
Recommended Dose
75 μg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-center study with small sample size (n=80) limits generalizability
- ▸Single-blind design may introduce bias in subjective assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray used for in this study?▼
It is used to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety in patients after gynecological laparoscopic surgery, with an additional dose given on the night of surgery.
How was sleep measured in this trial?▼
Sleep was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) for subjective sleep deterioration and sleep wristbands for objective parameters like total sleep time, deep sleep proportion, and number of awakenings.
Did the additional dexmedetomidine dose reduce anxiety?▼
Both groups showed significantly decreased Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores after preoperative medication, but the study did not report a separate comparison of anxiety between groups postoperatively.
What were the main benefits of the additional dexmedetomidine nasal spray?▼
It led to longer total sleep time, more deep sleep, fewer awakenings, a higher proportion of patients without subjective sleep deterioration, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay.
References
- 1.Zhao L, Zhang X, Li X, He Y, Wu Z, Zhu L. “Effect of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray on Anxiety and Sleep in Patients Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery..” Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026. PMID: 42452824 DOI: 10.12659/MSM.952465