I often use the prescription medication Ambien (generic name is zolpidem).  It is available as a regular release tablet in 5mg or 10mg, and also as a controlled release tablet in 6.25mg or 12.5mg strength.  Without a sleep aid, I toss and turn all night long, and my sleep is shallow and unrestful.  This one is great because it works really quickly.  You take it right before you lay down to go to sleep. If you take it before you are ready to go to sleep and wander around for awhile (half hour or more) it seems not to work as well.  The controlled release lasts all thru the night, but is only...