"i have been a sound sleeper most of my life until i was 65 and began waking up after about 1-1/2 hours sleep most nights and was unable to get back to sleep.  after over a year of this i was always tired and had no stamina.  i began taking zolpidem 10mg every night at bedtime and was able to get 5 to 5-1/2 hours sleep almost every night.  after a month i had normal energy and stamina (for my age).  the only drawback is that i would prefer 7 to 7-1.2 hrs sleep which i only attain once or twice a week on the zolpidem 10mg.  i am going to discuss the newer slow-release version with my doctor for the next refill.  it has made a significant improvement in my life and activities."