The glymphatic system is a functional cerebrospinal fluid circulatory system. The primary function of glymphatic transport is clearance of metabolic waste, it is a hot spot in the field of brain science research in recent years. Several studies have reported that glymphatic system dysfunction is implicated in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Anesthesia is a prerequisite to study the glymphatic system using neuro‑imaging method. However, whether anesthesia alters glymphatic system function remains controversial. This study will generate a comprehensive review of anesthetic drugs that have been used in glymphatic system research，analyze the physiological factors that interfere with the function of glymphatic system, and discuss the influence of different anesthetic regimens on the function of the glymphatic system. This study provides a reference for the choice of anesthetic agents and interpretation of the results in the study of glymphatic system.