What is the origin of the term “Ambien Zombies” ?
The term seems to stem from a person sleepwalking after taking Ambien, or the generic zolpidem. In drug-induced sleepwalking, the person will wake up in the morning with zero recollection of what they did or said. A troubling number of negative side effects are commonly seen in inpatient settings such as elder care homes, where patients are given zolpidem or other sedatives, leading to falls and fractures, dizziness, confusion, and other adverse effects. These side effects occur in both women and men. However, in women, these occur somewhat more frequently than they do in men, according to a 2023 study out of Korea.
Statistics on Chronic Insomnia
The DSM estimates 6% of the population suffers from “chronic insomnia.” Other sources of data from 2022 report an estimated 10-20% of the population worldwide experiencing unrelenting chronic insomnia, and between 50-70% experiencing some form of temporarily disrupted or poor quality sleep.8
These numbers are not decreasing, and the stress levels in those who suffer are high. But turning to a drug like Ambien may not be the perfect solution one is seeking. There are risks involved and certainly patient education on the potential downsides should be mandatory.1
How Safe is Ambien?
Most medical writing surveyed has presented zolpidem as a safe drug with little to no side effects or adverse withdrawal effects. After all, it is a NON-benzodiazepine sedative. This likely has led to overprescribing, or casual use, much as one would prescribe an aspirin for a headache. However, a study out of France, where the drug was first manufactured, started to raise the alarm as far back as 2007. Their research has shown clear evidence of negative effects, developed dependence, and other consequences that were not previously reported on. This data prompted the Government of France to re-examine the safety profile of Ambien and similar drugs.4
A 2011 study out of India had documented delirium and seizures associated with zolpidem withdrawal.5 And further research has shown that difficulties with zolpidem withdrawal are a reality, especially in long-term use.6
And finally, after at least a decade of adverse reports involving zolpidem, in 2019 the the FDA issued a safety bulletin regarding sleeping pills associated with dangerous side effects like “sleep-driving,” unsafely using a stove, and other complex risks after taking Ambien and similar drugs. The FDA report stipulates that these behaviors can happen even after a single dose, as well as with longer-term consumption. Since 2019, the FDA now requires a black box warning on these products that clearly warn users about these dangers.7,10
Compared to other sleeping pills, zolpidem is the drug most prevalently associated with sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other bizarre drug-induced behaviors, including suicide, homicide, self-harm, abnormal thinking, seizures, hallucinations, impaired motor control, depression, and severe anaphylaxis, for a few examples.1,9
Are there Safer Alternatives to Drug Therapy for Improving Sleep?
Many scientifically proven Ambien alternatives are available, but often overlooked. If a person took Ambien for insomnia, and wants to safely withdraw from Ambien and transition to non-pharmacological alternatives, effective, non-drug-based help is available.1
There are powerful non-drug-based therapies that can improve the quality of sleep safely that go far beyond simply stopping the use of sleeping pills. These may take some effort and planning to put in place, but the results can be life-changing.
A cautionary note: never abruptly stop medication without medical oversight and guidance.
Effective alternatives to sleeping pills include:
- Exercise
- Diet correction
- Set a regular sleep schedule
- Testing for & correction of nutritional deficiencies
- Support a healthy gut microbiome
- Create a healthy sleep environment
- Herbal, natural supplements
- CBT counseling
- Avoid alcohol, stimulants 6 hours before bedtime
Alternative to Meds Center Can Help
Alternative to Meds Center has helped many thousands of clients regain mental health and quality sleep without resorting to prescription medications. You can find out more about our protocols on our services overview pages, and by reviewing a more comprehensive article on Ambien alternatives.
A holistic approach is used, based on scientific principles of nutrition, orthomolecular medicine, environmental medicine, and a wealth of adjunctive therapies that help coax the body back to optimum condition without relying on toxic drugs. Call today for more information on how we can help you regain your optimum sleep and natural mental health without drugs.
