If you’re preparing for routine colorectal cancer screening, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to wake up after a colonoscopy?”
The exact amount of time it takes to feel fully awake depends on the type of sedation or anesthesia you receive. Different levels of sedation are available, and your doctor will choose the most appropriate for you.
Generally speaking, most people start to wake up within 15 to 30 minutes after a colonoscopy ends and feel more alert within an hour or so.
Sedative medications are given through an IV in your arm to help you stay comfortable during the procedure. These medications help you relax, fall asleep, or avoid feeling pain.
The level of sedation you receive depends on a few factors, including your:
Some people prefer lighter sedation, while others want to be fully asleep.
A very small number of people choose to have a colonoscopy without any sedation. This means staying fully awake during the procedure. Some people prefer this option so they can avoid medication side effects. You may feel pressure or cramping, which can be uncomfortable, so it is rarely used.
Most patients receive light or moderate sedation using medications like benzodiazepines to help relax. Opioids may be given as well to reduce pain. With this type of sedation, you may feel drowsy and even drift off, but you’ll still be able to respond if someone speaks to you. You might remember parts of the procedure, or you might not remember anything at all.
This level of sedation wears off fairly quickly. You’ll likely spend about an hour in recovery.
Deep sedation is very common for colonoscopies today, and many people find it to be the most comfortable option. The medication used most often is propofol, which works quickly to help you fall into a deep sleep. Unlike opioids, propofol is not a pain reliever. It’s a sedative that puts you to sleep fast and wears off quickly.
With deep sedation, you likely won’t remember anything about the procedure. You will likely wake up within 15 to 30 minutes of the medication being stopped. While you may feel groggy initially, most people feel fully awake within about an hour.
General anesthesia is not commonly used for colonoscopy, but it may be the safest option in some cases. With general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious. Your breathing is supported with a breathing tube and ventilator.
This type of sedation takes longer to wear off. You’ll need more time in recovery, and it may be several hours before you feel completely back to normal.
After your colonoscopy, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where your vital signs will be monitored as the sedation wears off. Most people begin to wake up within 15 to 30 minutes, especially if they receive propofol or moderate sedation.
Feeling groggy or even slightly confused when you first wake up is common. You may also feel bloated or gassy because air is introduced into your colon during the exam.
You’ll usually be allowed to go home about an hour after the procedure once you’re awake and stable. Even though you may feel alert, your coordination, reflexes, and judgment may still be affected for the rest of the day. That’s why it’s important not to drive or return to work until the next day.
Waking up after a colonoscopy usually happens quickly, often within 30 minutes, and most people are back to normal within a few hours. The exact timing depends on the type of sedation you receive and how your body responds to it. And your doctor can inform you of your sedation options ahead of time so you know what to expect.
If you’re 45 or older and haven’t had a colonoscopy, it’s time – schedule an appointment today!
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