I have had bouts of terrible insomnia (no "medical" cause, but anxiety definitely played a role). I have used Ambien and I think it is *awesome*. When I am having trouble sleeping, I have BOTH trouble falling asleep and tend to wake up at 2am and can't get back to sleep. Ambien will put me out 20 minutes after I take it and keep me out for 7-8 hours. I wake up rested and ready to lick my weight in tigers.