Important Notice: Different sleep problems require different solutions. Sleep onset insomnia (trouble falling asleep) and sleep maintenance insomnia (trouble staying asleep) often need different medications.
| Medication | Type | Primary Use | Effectiveness | Duration | Timing | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zolpidem (Ambien) | Prescription | Sleep Onset | High | Short | At bedtime | Trouble falling asleep | Quick acting, short duration |
| Eszopiclone (Lunesta) | Prescription | Both | High | Long | At bedtime | Both onset and maintenance | Longer acting |
| Suvorexant (Belsomra) | Prescription | Maintenance | High | Long | At bedtime | Staying asleep | Good for maintenance |
| Ramelteon (Rozerem) | Prescription | Onset | Moderate | Medium | 30-60 min before bed | Natural sleep onset | Low dependency risk |
| Trazodone | Prescription | Maintenance | High | Long | At bedtime | Staying asleep | Good for maintenance |