Ambien, also known as Zolpidem, is a popular medication used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug that helps individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the latter being designed to help individuals stay asleep throughout the night.