Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is a form of anaesthesia that helps you feel relaxed, comfortable, and less anxious during medical procedures while allowing you to continue breathing on your own. Depending on the medications used, you may feel sleepy and remember very little about the procedure, but you can usually respond to simple instructions if needed. Conscious sedation is commonly used during endoscopy, colonoscopy, dental procedures, minor surgeries, and certain imaging or interventional procedures. Throughout the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels are carefully monitored by trained healthcare professionals. Recovery is usually quick, although you may feel drowsy for a few hours afterwards. Because the effects can temporarily slow your reaction time, you should avoid driving or operating machinery for the remainder of the day and arrange for someone to accompany you home.