Ambien is a sedative medication (also known as a hypnotic) that is also available under the generic name of zolpidem. Ambien helps treat insomnia by affecting chemicals in the brain that may not balance in people with sleep problems like insomnia (a sleeping disorder).
The immediate-release form of this drug helps you fall asleep when you go to bed first Ambien CR (extended-release) tablets have two layers, the first one dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and the second one dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.