A drug like ambien is excellent for short-term relief when you are finding it difficult to get to sleep, but it should not be used over a longer period of time than necessary. You should take some of the responsibility for getting your sleep pattern back under control. Insomnia is often caused by anxiety disorder, stress and depression. So, as a first step, look for ways in which to relieve those causes. This is the brief list:

• Never catch a nap in the afternoon - save all your tiredness to the night.
• Always go to bed at the same time.
• It is easier to sleep when it is cool even though this may mean using more bedding. If you live in a hot climate, use a fan. If it is cool, turn down the central heating.
• Don’t drink a lot of liquid close to your normal time for bed. If your bladder wakes you up, you may find it difficult to get back to sleep. Alcohol can also lead to disturbed sleep and a hangover the following morning.
• Take a warm bath or shower about 30 minutes before going to bed. It is easier to sleep as your body cools.
• Avoid exercising, playing video games, watching television, reading or doing anything else that might grab your interest and keep you awake. Find activities that are relaxing and put you in the mood for sleep.

Re-establishing the habit of sleep is the best long-term remedy. If that fails, ambien will give you some relief.