Ambien is a quick-acting hypnotic medication having an imidazopyridine composition. Ambien (Zolpidem) is a selective agonist of the omega1-benzodiazepine receptor subtype, in contrast to benzodiazepines. This might explain why Ambien has no muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant effects, and the deep sleep stage is preserved. Ambien has been found to shorten sleep time, decrease the latent period of sleep, extend overall sleep time, prevent early awakening, and reduce the number and length of nighttime awakenings. Ambien is not addictive and has no sedative effects throughout the day.