Effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Report - MDSpire

Effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • By

  • Jiacheng Zhao

  • Chao Zhang

  • Hui Li

  • Yuxin Qiu

  • Jinbiao Li

  • Hui Cao

  • Xinggen Zhou

  • Siyao Guan

  • Jie Wang

  • Ming Yao

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine on Sleep Quality After Surgery

Overview

Intranasal dexmedetomidine significantly improves postoperative sleep quality in surgical patients, as evidenced by subjective and objective sleep outcomes.

Background

Postoperative sleep disturbances are prevalent among surgical patients and can hinder recovery. Poor sleep quality is associated with increased pain and complications.

Data Highlights

OutcomeEffect Size (SMD)95% CIp-value
Subjective Sleep Scores-1.29[-1.80, -0.77]<0.00001
Postoperative Sleep Scores1.75[0.94, 2.57]<0.0001
Sleep Efficiency1.71[0.94, 2.48]<0.0001
Total Sleep Time1.76[0.67, 2.84]0.002
Sleep Latency-1.07[-1.66, -0.49]0.0003
Risk of Sleep Disturbance0.53[0.39, 0.73]<0.0001

Key Findings

  • Intranasal dexmedetomidine improved subjective sleep scores post-surgery.
  • Postoperative sleep efficiency and total sleep time were significantly increased.
  • Sleep latency was reduced in patients receiving dexmedetomidine.
  • The risk of sleep disturbance decreased with dexmedetomidine administration.
  • Adverse events were less common in the dexmedetomidine group compared to controls.

Clinical Implications

Further research is needed to evaluate the role of intranasal dexmedetomidine in postoperative care.

Conclusion

Intranasal dexmedetomidine may improve short-term postoperative sleep, but evidence is limited.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Effects of dexmedetomidine nasal spray on perioperative anxiety and quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Intranasal Dexmedetomidine as a rescue strategy for established postoperative delirium following loss of intravenous access: a case report
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Differential effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine on explicit and implicit memory after sedation: a retrospective study
  4. Scientific Reports, 2025 -- Multimodal sleep management reduces perioperative insomnia in general surgery patients through optimal healing environments
  5. PMC, 2025 -- Effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on sleep quality in adult patients after noncardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
  6. BMC Anesthesiology, 2026 -- Perioperative dexmedetomidine nasal spray improves postoperative sleep in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
  7. Frontiers in Medicine — Effects of dexmedetomidine nasal spray combined with propofol for deep sedation in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective randomized study
  8. Multimodal sleep management reduces perioperative insomnia in general surgery patients through optimal healing environments | Scientific Reports
  9. Effect of perioperative dexmedetomidine on sleep quality in adult patients after noncardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials - PMC
  10. Perioperative dexmedetomidine nasal spray improves postoperative sleep in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery: a prospective, randomized controlled trial | BMC Anesthesiology | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • by Jiacheng Zhao, Chao Zhang, Hui Li, Yuxin Qiu, Jinbiao Li, Hui Cao, Xinggen Zhou, Siyao Guan, Jie Wang, Ming Yao

  • July 10, 2026

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