Ambien, also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. Developed by Sanofi-Aventis, Ambien belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by slowing down brain activity to induce sleep.
One of the key features of Ambien is its ability to help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. It achieves this by binding to certain receptors in the brain that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. By enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Ambien promotes relaxation and sedation, allowing the mind and body to enter a state of restful sleep.