Ambien (Zolpidem) is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics or sleep medications. Zolpidem affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Zolpidem induces sleep and causes relaxation. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. Zolpidem is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor