Alternatives to Ambien: Prescription and Natural Ways to Help You Sleep

While Ambien has helped millions of people fall asleep faster, there are plenty of other options for people looking to treat their insomnia. Some of these drugs may even be preferable options in certain circumstances, such as in cases of sleeping pill addiction or unwanted side effects.

What Are the Advantages of Alternative Treatments for Insomnia?

Zolpidem, also known as Ambien, is generally safe and effective for most people who take it, but it isn’t right for everyone. Some people, for instance, experience memory loss or daytime drowsiness.

Furthermore, people should be cautious about becoming addicted to any sedative since regular usage causes the body to become dependent on the drug. People who stop taking Ambien often experience rebound insomnia, which makes it even more dangerous.

As people age, they run a higher risk of experiencing negative consequences from Ambien, including the possibility of falling and breaking bones. In addition, older individuals who take Ambien have a higher incidence of cognitive decline and memory loss the following day.

Another reason for looking into Ambien alternatives is the fact that many people suffer from other conditions in addition to insomnia, thus requiring them to take numerous drugs at the same time. That’s especially true for those who already take over-the-counter drugs to help them sleep.

Prescription Alternatives to Ambien

Alternatives Within the Z-Drug Class: Lunesta, Sonata

Lunesta and Sonata, like Ambien, are drugs that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia. These medications are sometimes referred to as z-drugs simply because their generic and brand names all start with the letter Z, not because they share a common suffix.

Sonata has a notably short half-life, which is why it’s primarily indicated for people who have difficulty falling asleep rather than staying asleep through the night.[1] Lunesta, by contrast, tends to have a longer-lasting effect and is thus more appropriate for people who also struggle with sleep maintenance.

It is critical to mention that all three of these drugs carry some risk of dependence, although the likelihood varies from person to person. While each drug has distinct side effects, they’re all similar in terms of their mechanism of action, as they all target the GABA receptors in the brain.

Zolpidem and zaleplon are generally recommended for short-term use of about four weeks, while eszopiclone (Lunesta) and the extended-release version of zolpidem have safety data supporting longer-term use under a doctor’s supervision.[2]

Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Belsomra, Dayvigo, and Quviviq

Belsomra, Dayvigo, and Quviviq are the first generation of non-GABAergic hypnotic medications. They have an entirely different mechanism of action from Ambien and other z-drugs, which is thought to decrease the likelihood of abuse and dependence.

Unlike most z-drugs, orexin receptor antagonists have research supporting their use in chronic, long-term insomnia, and some reviews have found they carry a lower risk of next-day impairment and dependency compared to older insomnia medications.[3]

Benzodiazepines: Restoril, Xanax, Valium

Restoril is a benzodiazepine medication recommended for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Other benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, are frequently prescribed to anxious patients, despite their reputation as sleep aids. Benzodiazepines have a substantially higher risk of abuse and dependency than z-drugs, so they should only be used for a short period of time.

Antidepressants: Trazodone and Doxepin

Trazodone is a pharmaceutical treatment for depression that has been approved by the FDA. Dosages of trazodone that are low enough to avoid causing morning dizziness might help patients sleep better at night. Because trazodone is a non-controlled substance, it’s a good option for sleep aids for people who are concerned about becoming addicted to z-drugs or other prescription drugs.

Doxepin, an older antidepressant, is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic insomnia in low doses, and it’s often studied specifically in middle-aged and elderly patients.

Over-The-Counter and Natural Alternatives to Ambien

Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone that controls the circadian rhythm, is a popular over-the-counter sleep aid. It’s a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that controls the body’s internal clock. Because it’s a hormone, melatonin has fewer side effects than most other sleep aids, making it a popular option among those who are hesitant to use other drugs.

When the body detects that it’s nighttime, melatonin binds to particular receptors in the brain to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep. Research shows melatonin’s benefits over placebo are real but modest, and generally smaller than what’s seen with prescription sleep medications, which is part of why it’s often considered a gentler starting point rather than a direct substitute for Ambien.[4]

Antihistamines: Benadryl, Doxylamine

Antihistamines inhibit the release of histamine, which causes dryness in the nasal passages and eyes. Because of this, diphenhydramine and doxylamine, the two antihistamines, have a calming effect on the brain that can cause drowsiness.

The most prevalent treatment for transient insomnia is the use of over-the-counter antihistamines, which are effective in the short term but should not be used for an extended period.

Valerian Root, Magnesium, L-Theanine

Herbal sleep remedies like valerian root are popular and widely accessible. Valerian root has been used for centuries to aid in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. On the other hand, magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system; therefore, it’s ideal for people who have trouble unwinding before going to sleep.

L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is a dietary supplement that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. Most natural sleep aids are less potent than their pharmaceutical counterparts, but they’re less likely to cause negative side effects, especially in older persons. Because of the potential for hazardous interactions with other medications, they should still be used with caution by people who take other drugs.

Non-Drug Methods for Treating Insomnia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is a type of psychotherapy that has been proven to be more effective than any other treatment for chronic insomnia. This therapy helps patients uncover and deal with the root causes of their sleep difficulties, rather than just masking the symptoms with drugs.

Unlike most other treatments for insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has long-term results since it teaches patients new coping strategies they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Sleep Hygiene and Mindfulness

Basic sleep hygiene changes, such as keeping a consistent schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a cool, dark sleeping environment, can meaningfully improve sleep quality on their own.

Mindfulness practices, including meditation and breathing exercises, have also shown promise for people whose insomnia is tied to racing thoughts or anxiety at bedtime. These approaches are often used alongside CBT-I or medication rather than as a complete replacement, especially for more severe or long-standing sleep disorders.

Alternatives to Ambien for Older Adults

The elderly population is more likely to suffer from the harmful effects of Ambien and other insomnia drugs, such as daytime drowsiness and an increased likelihood of falling and breaking bones. Older individuals have a significantly higher risk of experiencing negative consequences from sedatives like Ambien. Older individuals may want to consider non-pharmacological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Should I Switch From Ambien to Something Else?

You should speak with your doctor about switching treatments if you feel that Ambien is no longer effective, especially if you notice that you need a bigger dosage to get the same effect. Furthermore, you should discuss switching options with your physician if you experience undesirable side effects from Ambien, such as memory loss, or if you want to quit using it to treat your insomnia.

If you want to quit using Ambien on your own, you should first consult with a physician since doing so suddenly might result in rebound insomnia and additional uncomfortable side effects. It’s essential to mention that most doctors would prescribe a different form of therapy based on the cause of your insomnia. If, for example, you have trouble falling asleep rather than staying asleep, the appropriate treatment will be different.