Ambien, the brand name for the generic medication zolpidem, is primarily prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication that helps individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Ambien is used to help people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain and induce sleep. Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually for 7 to 10 days, to avoid the risk of dependence or tolerance.