Different types of sedation

Information for the public

If you think that your care does not match what is described in this information, please talk to a member of your healthcare team in the first instance.

Your healthcare professional should discuss the choice of sedation technique based on:

what the procedure involves, for example if it is painful or painless
how sleepy and calm your child needs to be
if the technique is suitable for your child
what you or your child prefer.

You should be told about, and given written information on, the proposed sedation technique, any alternatives, and the benefits and side effects associated with each option.

Sedation will go ahead only if you, or your child if they are old enough, consent to it.

The table below shows what usually happens to your child with different levels of sedation.

Level of sedation	What type of procedure might this typically be used for?	How will this affect my child?
Minimal to moderate	Dental work	They will be relaxed and a little sleepy
Moderate	Endoscopy	They will be very sleepy but easily awakened
Deep	MRI scans or setting a broken bone	They will be in a deep sleep