Can I dream during anesthesia?
May 9, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Babette Köhler
Dear doctor,
My name is Lilli Fischer and I will soon undergo surgery where I will be put under anesthesia. I am concerned about whether I can dream during the anesthesia and how that could affect my experience.
I have never had anesthesia before and I am unsure about what to expect during the procedure. I have heard from friends that they have dreamt during their surgery and felt very confused and anxious afterwards. I wonder if that could happen to me and how I can prepare for it.
I am afraid that I could have unpleasant or frightening dreams during the anesthesia that could distress me after the procedure. Are there ways to prevent or control dreaming during anesthesia? Can I talk to the anesthesiologist before the operation or are there medications that can influence my dreams?
I want to ensure that my experience during anesthesia is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Can you please explain more about whether it is possible to dream during anesthesia and if there are measures to minimize this risk?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Lilli Fischer
Dear Lilli Fischer,
Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of dreaming during anesthesia and how this could affect your experience during the procedure. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially since you have never received anesthesia before. It is important that you feel informed before your operation and can address all your concerns.
First and foremost, I want to assure you that it is extremely rare for patients to consciously dream or remember their dreams during anesthesia. Most anesthesia is so deep that the brain is unable to produce dreams. Instead, the patient is in a deep sleep state that is monitored and controlled by the anesthesiologists.
It is important to understand that anesthesia is designed to put the patient into a state of general anesthesia, where they do not feel any pain and have no memories of the procedure. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will consciously dream or remember dreams during anesthesia.
If you are still concerned or simply want to learn more about the process of anesthesia, I recommend speaking to your anesthesiologist before the operation. Your anesthesiologist will be able to explain in detail how anesthesia works, what will happen during the procedure, and how you can prepare for it.
There are no specific measures or medications that can control dreams during anesthesia. As mentioned earlier, it is extremely rare to dream during anesthesia, and anesthesiologists work hard to ensure that you are safe and comfortable during the procedure.
In conclusion, I want to assure you that the likelihood of dreaming during anesthesia is extremely low. If you are still concerned, do not hesitate to speak to your anesthesiologist to clarify all your questions and ensure that you feel as informed and prepared as possible before the operation.
I wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery and hope that my response has helped alleviate some of your concerns.
Best regards,
Babette Köhler
