Conclusion
postoperative sore throat, sleep disorders
Notably, 1.0–1.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine administered via a nasal spray on the night after operation can safely and effectively prolong N2 sleep and shorten wake-up time in participants having undergone maxillofacial plastic surgery on the night after operation. Furthermore, it was associated with fewer awakenings from sleep, significantly improved sleep efficiency, and reduced incidence of sleep disorders. Interestingly, 1.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine could also prolong N3 sleep, reduce the number of times sufentanil rescue had to be used postoperatively, reduce the incidence of postoperative sore throat, and reduce the length of hospital stay.