"i have had insomnia for about 7 years.  i took temazepam (restoril) for about 3 years, but it eventually quit working entirely so i started taking 10 mg of zolpidem nightly about 4 months ago.  it is very good at helping me to go to sleep quickly and i stay asleep about 6 hours but not much longer. i haven&#039;t felt any drowsiness the next morning or had any headaches or other side effects.  i have learned a few things about zolpidem, though.  i cannot eat at all for at least 2 or 3 hours before taking it.  also, i need to go to bed within 15 or 20 minutes after taking it or it doesn&#039;t work very well. lastly, i learned that i can&#039;t eat chocolate for at least 5 or 6 hours before taking it because of chocolate&#039;s high caffeine content."