Ambien CR Patient Guide

1. Patient Detail
2. Sleep Assessment
3. Ambien CR Difference
4. Print Offer

7 Tips for Better Sleep

There are ways you can help yourself sleep better. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, developing a bedtime routine, and making your sleep environment "sleep-friendly" make all the difference in the world.

Below are 7 tips to follow that may help you attain a better night's sleep.

Tip 1. Go to sleep and wake at the same time each day.

Keeping a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, may help develop a sleep-wake rhythm that encourages better sleep.

Tip 2. Avoid caffeine late in the day.

Caffeine - contained in tea, cola, and chocolate, as well as in coffee - is a stimulant and can cause problems for people trying to fall asleep.

Tip 3. Watch your diet.

A heavy meal or spicy foods before bedtime can lead to nighttime discomfort, and fluids can require disruptive trips to the bathroom. A light snack, however, can prevent hunger pangs and help you sleep better.

Tip 4. Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep. Exercising in the morning or afternoon - at least three hours before bedtime, so you won't be too "revved-up" - may help you get a deeper, more restful sleep.

Tip 5. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Read a book
Listen to music
Practice relaxation techniques
Take a warm bath
Keep the temperature in your bedroom at a comfortable level: extremes can disrupt your sleep
It also helps to minimize distractions, such as noisy clocks, bright lights, and uncomfortable clothing or bedding

Tip 6. Get out of bed if you're not sleeping.

If you don't fall asleep within 15-30 minutes, get up. Get back into bed when you feel sleepy.

Tip 7. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Discuss your sleep problems with your doctor or healthcare provider and find out if AMBIEN CR is right for you and how it may help put your sleep problems to rest. See examples of questions to ask your doctor.

Now that you've read about our Tips for Better Sleep, read about Tips for Making Your Bed a "Bed-der" Place to Sleep, Muscle Relaxation Techniques, and Mental Relaxation Techniques.

Also, you can use the sleep diary to track your sleep for 7 days, then discuss with your doctor and see if Ambien CR is right for you.

AMBIEN CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia.

Important Safety Information

AMBIEN CR is a treatment option you and your healthcare provider can consider along with lifestyle changes and can be taken for as long as your provider recommends. Until you know how AMBIEN CR will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It's non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency. Don't take it with alcohol.

Please see additional important information. Please refer to the full prescribing information.