The Effect of Ketamine on Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

During colonoscopy procedures, routine procedural sedation and analgesia are typically administered due to expected severe discomfort and pain. Sedation is administered by anesthesiologists using various medications according to established clinical guidelines, such as those outlined by the Turkish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation. Typically, an initial dose of 2 mg of midazolam (0.025-0.1 mg/kg) is administered, followed by propofol. Propofol is initially given at a bolus dose of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg, followed by additional bolus doses of 0.25-0.5 mg/kg at intervals of 1-3 minutes as required to achieve and maintain sedation. Depending on clinical judgment, some clinicians may supplement with ketamine, known for its minimal respiratory depression effects, to reduce propofol dosage. Ketamine is administered at doses of 0.25-0.50 mg/kg for this purpose. All medications are administered intravenously, aiming for a moderate sedation scale of 1-3 (TARD Non-operating Room Anesthesia Practice Guidelines, March 2022, page 17).

In the study protocol, participants will undergo the following procedures based on these guidelines.

Participants who consent to participate in the study will undergo assessment using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Numeric Rating Scale for Sleep Quality, and Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire on the day of the procedure. This assessment will be conducted in person.

Participants will be randomized into two groups. One group will receive midazolam and propofol, constituting the control group. The other group will receive ketamine in addition to midazolam and propofol during the procedure.

The duration of the procedure and total medication doses will be documented. After the procedure, patients achieving a Modified Aldrete Score of 10 will be discharged to the recovery unit (TARD Non-operating Room Anesthesia Practice Guidelines, March 2022, page 17).

Data on participants will be recorded, and they will be contacted by phone 7 days post-procedure.

Participants will undergo reassessment using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Numeric Rating Scale for Sleep Quality, and Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire scales after the procedure.

Following this assessment, participant follow-up will conclude. The effects of ketamine on sleep quality will be evaluated by comparing the values of the mentioned scales before and after the procedure.

Participants will be randomized into the Ketamine Group and Control Group in a 1:1 ratio. Randomization will be conducted using computer software by an independent researcher (AY). Randomization will be securely stored in sealed envelopes. An independent researcher (AŞ) will open the envelope 30 minutes prior to the procedure. The researcher administering anesthesia and the researcher conducting participant follow-ups and assessments (BG) will remain blinded to each other. Participants and the researcher assessing sleep quality (BG) will be unaware of the treatment administered to participants. The study is designed as a double-blind trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients who agree to participate in the study
• Patients undergoing colonoscopy procedures
• Patients classified as ASA 1-2
• Male and female patients aged 18-65 years

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who decline to participate in the study
• Patients allergic to ketamine, propofol, and midazolam
• Patients with acute or chronic pain
• Patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders
• Patients using antidepressants or sleep medications
• Patients with sleep disorders
• Patients with a history of oncological diseases
• Patients experiencing complications related to colonoscopy procedures
• Patients experiencing complications related to anesthesia administration
• Patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²
• Patients with cognitive impairment or communication issues
• Pregnant and postpartum patients
• Patients with sleep apnea syndrome
• Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (Blood Pressure >180/110 mmHg)