Ambien is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is a sedative-hypnotic drug. It is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Ambien works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA slows down brain activity, promoting relaxation and inducing sleep. By increasing the effects of GABA, Ambien helps individuals with insomnia to fall asleep faster and improve their overall sleep quality.