What to Expect when You Wake Up

What happens when I wake up from anesthesia? 

When you wake up from anesthesia, you’ll be in the operating room or a recovery area, known as a PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit). A  recovery nurse or anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), will be with you at all times. You may still have oxygen, a breathing tube, and/or monitoring equipment still in place. You may also feel groggy, but will quickly become more alert within a few minutes.  

What happens in the recovery area?

Once you enter the recovery area, a recovery nurse will monitor you closely. This nurse will receive a hand-off report from the surgical team about how your surgery went and how you’re recovering. The recovery nurse will check your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, level, and overall comfort. You will stay in the recovery area until you are fully awake, stable, and comfortable. Most patients typically stay in the recovery area for about 1-2 hours, but some surgeries may require a longer recovery period.

What are common side effects from anesthesia that I might experience? 

Common side effects may include:  

• Nausea or vomiting   
• Sleepiness or grogginess   
• Sore throat (if a breathing tube was used)   
• Sensitivity around the IV site  
• “Brain fog,” which is more common in older adults   

While every patient is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to anesthesia, some discomfort is normal. It’s important to remember that most side effects are temporary and manageable with the right medication. Your anesthesia professional is prepared to manage any side effects and keep you comfortable during recovery.  

When will I be discharged to go home? 

For outpatient procedures, an anesthesia professional will clear you to go home when:

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen levels are stable
• Any pain is under control
• You can breathe comfortably
• You can drink and tolerate fluids
• You can move around safely
• You can urinate

For more invasive and complex surgeries that take place in a hospital, you may be required to stay at the hospital until you are stable and strong enough to go home. Learn more about Where Surgery Happens.

What post-anesthesia care instructions should I follow at home? 

You will receive instructions about how to care for yourself at home after anesthesia. These instructions could include:

• Have someone stay with you to help you get settled at home. Some procedures may require that you have someone with you for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.
• Eat light meals at first (simple foods like soup, salad, and toast)
• Follow your healthcare team’s instructions for activity restrictions
• Don’t drive or make important decisions for at least 24 hours
• Ask your surgeon when it’s safe to return to work
  • Some procedures may require you to have restrictions at work. Your surgeon can provide your employer with a note that explains the restrictions and when you can return to work.