Unhealthy sleep patterns—like insomnia, frequent waking, or difficulty falling asleep—can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health. When natural remedies and lifestyle changes fall short, some people turn to medications like Ambien (generic name: zolpidem) as a short-term solution. But how effective is Ambien at breaking these cycles, and is it a long-term fix?
How Ambien Works
Ambien is a prescription sleep aid commonly used to treat short-term insomnia. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems. Specifically, it enhances the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, helping users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.