Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/23/2006

Question
Hello. I have had many surgeries over the years. Auto accidents (4 head-on crashes), eye lenses, hernia, etc. Every time, I breath in the anaesthesia (I never smell anything other than colder air) and POW! I am out, waking up after the surgery. I do not even remember going out!

Am I asleep or unconscious? Or something else? How does anaesthesia do that so fast? I would love to do it every night when I go to sleep! Instant sleep, no tossing or turning.  

Answer
Hi there

Now I really wish we knew exactly how anaesthetics work. What we do know is that you are 'unconscious' rather than 'asleep'. Sleep would not be sufficient to protect you from the pain of an operation. Though interesting things have been acheived with awake patients and acupuncture.

The type of unconsciousness is not refreshing for your brain and so is not suitable for use evry night. Indeed anaesthesia does tend to disturb your sleep pattern for a few days.

I could provide lots of different theories but the fact there are so many underlines the fact that we just don't know.

Please drive safely
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson