I see that this is an old question, @john65pennington , but I just wanted to respond in case other insomniacs were wondering about a better solution. I, too, was prescribed Ambien…for (I think) 2 days and I pretty much was nuts on it. Walked in my sleep, horrible nightmares, couldn’t wake up, etc, etc.
Like your wife, when I called my doctor and told him I wasn’t going to take Ambien ever again, he immediately switched me to Lunesta and it was wonderful! Sleep for 8 hours, no “hangover” or walking around in a daze the next day.
Wonderful alternative to Ambien.
wishing I had some tonight