"ativan/lorazipam provides a very sound, sustained sleep with few if any dreams. i have never had problems getting to sleep, but staying asleep was a real issue. waking up at 4am with an active mind and watching the sun rise knowing that i would crash at midday was a pain. ativan (.5 mg or 1 mg splurge) helps me sleep until the alarm and i never feel weird or dopey in the am. however, be aware that your body and mind get conditioned, so don&#039;t take it nightly (or sleep won&#039;t come without it). the pros are the effectiveness and the lack of side affects. the cons are dependency/poor sleep without it. i use it maybe three times per week and it&#039;s fine, alternating a night or two. never taken it in the day, likely never will."