Zolpidem is a medication primarily used to treat insomnia, helping individuals fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems. Typically prescribed for short-term use, zolpidem is available in various forms, including tablets and sublingual (under the tongue) formulations. While it can be effective for sleep issues, it may cause side effects such as dizziness, daytime drowsiness, or memory problems, and should be used under a doctor's guidance.