Brain, mood & sleep
Hypnotic (Z-drug)
Zolpidem
Also known as: Ambien, Stilnox
Best time
Immediately before bed
- 22:00–23:30
Take only when you are getting into bed with 7–8 hours available for sleep.
Strong evidence
Consistent clinical trials or official prescribing guidance support this timing.
Why this time works
Zolpidem acts within ~15–30 minutes. Taking it too early risks sleep-walking or other complex behaviours; taking it with less than 7 hours before waking risks next-morning impairment, especially for driving.
Body rhythm involved
Works with the natural evening rise in sleep pressure.