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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

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).

Last updated: Jul 17, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effect of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray on Anxiety and Sleep in Patients Undergoing Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery.

observational

Zhao L, Zhang X, Li X, He Y, Wu Z, Zhu L · Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 1 night (postoperative)
Intervention: Additional 75 μg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray at 9:30 PM on the night of surgery
Outcome: Sleep structure (total sleep time, deep sleep proportion, number of awakenings via wristbands), subjective sleep deterioration (Athens Insomnia Scale), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), postoperative hospital stay
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 80 patients undergoing elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery (June 2024 to December 2024)

Result:

PubMed: 42452824DOI: 10.12659/MSM.952465

Mechanism Graph

Dexmedetomidine activates central alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
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Reduces noradrenergic activity and promotes sedation
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Enhances non-REM sleep and stabilizes sleep architecture
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Result: Improved objective sleep parameters and reduced subjective sleep deterioration

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.