How much sleep should I get the night before surgery?

Pre-Surgery sleep: Why rest matters more than you think

When you are facing an upcoming operation, it is completely normal to feel a mix of nervous energy and anticipation. Between prepping your home, reviewing discharge instructions, and watching the clock, getting a solid night of rest might feel like a low priority. However, the hours of sleep you get the night before surgery play a surprisingly vital role in how your body handles the procedure and recovery.

Medical experts generally recommend that adults aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Meeting this baseline before surgery does much more than just keep you from feeling groggy in the waiting room. Quality rest helps regulate your immune function, stabilizes your stress hormones, and gives your body the physical bandwidth it needs to heal efficiently once the procedure is over.

Of course, pre-surgery anxiety can make drifting off easier said than done. If you find yourself staring at the ceiling, try winding down early with a quiet, screen-free routine, deep breathing exercises, or simply listening to calming music. Remember, your body is about to do some heavy lifting, and giving it the rest it asks for is one of the best ways you can prep for a smooth, successful recovery.