Ambien vs Melatonin: Which Sleep Aid is Better for You?

Having difficulty falling asleep is becoming a common health problem these days due to fast paced life and hustling cultures. A lot of young individuals who are in their 20s and 30s are facing major challenges while sleeping. As a consequence, insomnia is affecting all areas of life, whether it is work life, relations, family time and even health. For having a good quality sleep, there are a lot of options you can opt for. Practicing regular exercise, yoga and medications like Ambien and Melatonin are the key supplements that can promote your sleep and can give good results.

However, it totally depends on the individual what options she/he wants to opt for. Ambien and Melatonin are both efficacious drugs that successfully promote sleep. In today’s blog, we’ll show you the comparison between Ambien vs Melatonin so you can make better decisions for improving your sleep quality.

What is Ambien?

Ambien is an insomnia drug that consists of the generic Zolpidem. The medicine has FDA approval for treating sleeping problems. The drug belongs to the miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics drug class and classified under the Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act.

Ambien pills are marketed under various brand names including Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Zolpimist, Intermezzo etc. Ambien contains three inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide. Insomnia patients who are between age 18 and 64 can consume these pills after having a prescription from a doctor.

The drug is widely prescribed for treating insomnia and to provide enough sleep. Without prescription the drug is not intended to be used. Moreover, pregnant women are not allowed to consume this medicine.

Function

The drug diminished the effects of certain chemicals which are causing the problem of insomnia in the patients. The key ingredient of this medicine is Zolpidem which improves the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical transmitter in the brain whose prime work is to produce a calming effect in the brain.

When this chemical does not work properly in the brain, a person faces challenges while falling asleep. Due to this he/she feels discomfort and restlessness. Hence, taking Ambien drugs can improve an individual’s sleep cycle. The drug starts working in the body within an hour and remains active for 14 hours. However, individuals must not take it for a longer duration because it can be abusive.

Ambien Dosage Guide: Common Strengths and Forms

• Ambien 5 mg (Pink oval pill)
• Imprint: AMB 5 5401
• Ambien 10 mg ( white oval oral pill)
• Imprint: AMB 10 5421

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is an oral over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement that can be purchased without a prescription. This medication comes in tablet, capsule, oral liquid and chewable gummy form. It is frequently used to treat jet lag and sleep issues. Another natural hormone that your body releases in reaction to darkness is melatonin which aids in regulating your wake-sleep cycle also known as your biological clock. Humans typically sleep for eight hours at night and engage in 16 hours of activity during the day, a process known as the wake-sleep cycle. Between 11 PM and 3 AM natural melatonin levels typically reach their peak.

Levels drop precipitously before dawn and are hardly perceptible during the day. Our circadian rhythm is the rise and fall in natural levels that indicates when we should wake up and go to sleep. Longer summer days result in shorter natural melatonin production periods while longer winter production periods occur.

Nighttime light like that from TVs or smartphones inhibits production and can cause sleep disturbances. Additionally aging reduces the release of melatonin at night which may be a factor in the insomnia and early awakenings that older adults frequently experience.

How Melatonin Works in the Body’s Sleep-Wake Cycle

The supplement works by simulating the effects of melatonin, a hormone that the pineal gland in the brain produces to help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin’s primary job is to tell the body when it’s time to go to sleep particularly as night falls.

People may have trouble falling or staying asleep if their body’s ability to produce this hormone is interfered with by things like jet lag working shifts or using screens right before bed. They consequently suffer from weariness and erratic sleep patterns.

Restoring a regular sleep schedule may be aided by taking melatonin supplements. Typically the supplement starts working within 30 minutes and continues to work for 4–8 hours. However since excessive use may interfere with the body’s natural production of melatonin it should only be used sparingly and for temporary sleep problems.

Melatonin Dosage: Common Strengths and Forms

• Melatonin 1 mg (Light blue round pill)
• Imprint: MEL 1 1001
• Melatonin 3 mg (Light purple oval pill)
• Imprint: MEL 3 1003
• Melatonin 5 mg (White round pill)
• Imprint: MEL 5 1005
• Melatonin 10 mg (Dark blue oval pill)
• Imprint: MEL 10 1010

Ambien and Melatonin: Key Similarities in Sleep Treatment

Although both are different drugs however, they share some similarities which are as follows:

• Both the drugs are used for the same purpose and treat the same health concern (insomnia).
• The two medicines aid in improving sleep that is affected by the brain’s poor functioning.
• Ambien and Melatonin are available in more than one dosage form (e.g., tablets, sublingual, extended-release).
• Both drugs are mostly suggested for short duration.
• Patients above 18 years are usually recommended to use these medications.
• Pregnant women must seek proper consultation with a healthcare expert before using either drug.
• Both substances may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or next-day grogginess.
• These treatments should not be used in combination with alcohol or other sedatives.
• Both may lead to dependence or improper use if not taken as directed (more relevant for Ambien).

Ambien and Melatonin: Major Differences in Composition and Use

Here mentioned the major differences between Ambien and Melatonin:

• Both the insomnia medicines are branded drugs which contain different generic drugs.
• Two drugs manufactured by the different companies.
• Both medicines are marketed under various brand names.
• Ambien and Melatonin pills are only allowed to be used for adult patients.
• Both medicines’ active periods are also varied.

Uses of Both These Drugs

Following are the using guides for Ambien and Melatonin tablets:

• Before using these medicines, take a prescription from an experienced doctor.
• Do not take the medication for a longer period.
• Consume these tablets or pills right before sleep.
• Do not crush, chew or resolve the tablets in water, instead swallow them whole.
• Consume an adequate amount of water while having these insomnia pills.
• Always keep the medication away from children’s and pets’ reach.
• In the case of not getting enough sleep, do not take an overdose without informing the consulted doctor.

Ambien and Melatonin: Common Side Effects to Be Aware Of

Here is the list of side effects of using Melatonin and Ambien medicines.

• Nightmare
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Weakness in body
• Fever
• Hair fall
• Loss of appetite
• Concentration loss
• Being forgetful
• nation
• Forgetfulness
• Unusual thoughts
• Behavior problems
• Tiredness
• Dark urine
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Confusion
• Halluci
• Lightheadedness

Precautions

Patients always keep in mind the following precautions, while using these insomnia drugs.

• If you’re a drug addict or alcoholic, then you must tell the doctor about it before using each drug.
• Try to avoid all prohibited foods and beverages throughout the medication period.
• Do not perform any heavy tasks like driving and weight lifting, after having the pills.
• Must read the product label before using these insomnia pills.
• Pregnant women must avoid these medications.
• If an individual is facing any serious side effects immediately, consult with the doctor.
• Do not suggest the medicine to your relative or close one without a prescription.
• If one has an allergy issue related to the composition of the medicine, tell it to the doctor before obtaining a prescription.

Conclusion

It’s critical to find a solution for insomnia in order to preserve general health and get timely sleep. The blog has provided an overview of two medications used to treat insomnia: Ambien and Melatonin. Both medications work well to treat sleep issues like insomnia. Nonetheless obtaining a prescription is necessary before taking any medication in order to prevent more health issues.