Why do we not feel pain under general anesthesia? Is it the same for regular sleep?

Question

I’m curious what mechanism is at work here.

Edit: Thanks for the responses. I get it now. Obviously I am still enjoying the discussion RE: the finer points like memory, etc.

In: Biology

Answer 1

If someone induces general anesthesia, The Patient will get between 2 or 3 drugs

* An opioid from the group of fentanyl analogs or ketamine,
* a hypnotic such as propofol, thiopental, or etomidate,
* depending on the type and location of the procedure, also muscle relaxants such as succinylcholine or rocuronium

so in short, you get something

* for no pain
* for sleeping very good
* and for relaxing you muscles (you will not move and its easyer to put an tube down your throat