Tag: Dreaming

Research shows that dreaming during anesthesia, and particularly with propofol, is a commonly reported phenomenon, affecting a significant number of patients. However, unlike typical nightmares or nocturnal narratives, these anesthetic-induced dreams are fundamentally different from those experienced during normal sleep and often occur during the emergence phase as the patient is waking up.

According to a 2011 study published in *Anesthesia & Analgesia*, up to 25% of patients recalled a dream-like experience following sedation or general anesthesia. This fascinating phenomenon challenges the misconception that anesthesia is simply deep sleep and brings up the question, "Do you dream under anesthesia?"

Over a million Americans receive anesthesia for surgery each year, entering a state that scientists liken to a reversible, medically induced coma rather than natural sleep. The question of "Where does your mind go during anesthesia?" reveals a complex and active process in the brain, rather than a simple shutdown.