Ambien is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly difficulty falling asleep. It belongs to the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics or nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics.

Zolpidem works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that has a calming effect on the central nervous system. By increasing GABA activity, zolpidem helps to induce sleep and improve sleep quality.