Zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, is a medicine that people with sleep problems often get from their doctor. This is one type of drug that can help you sleep by slowing down your brain. Tablets that help to sleep like Ambien should only be used for short periods of time because they can cause dependence and tolerance. It comes in two different types: immediate-release and extended-release. This means that it can be used to treat different sleep problems, like not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep all night.