Ambien is the brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is a sedative primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is a hypnotic drug that works by slowing down activity in the brain, which helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is typically prescribed to be taken just before bedtime, and should not be used for more than 7-10 days at a time. It is also important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not to use it with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.