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Last Updated on January 14, 2021 by Carol Gillette
It is important to seek natural Ambien alternatives in the context of medical oversight and care. Tranquilizers, like Ambien, can be more than just “an addiction.” Unsupported transitioning could produce unbearable sleep and anxiety problems.
Ambien alternative treatments needs to be structured strategically and compassionately — something we know how to do.
Do Your Sleep Issues
Require Ambien?
Alternative to Meds Center has been navigating benzodiazepine withdrawal for over 15 years. You can study our published evidence regarding our success. Insomnia treatment with Ambien can produce a host of unwanted side effects and dependency. Our life work is to approach these challenges in a way that is effective and sustainable.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Though people are often prescribed Ambien, also known as Zolpidem Tartrate, for short-term treatment of insomnia, the drug is often not recommended long-term,2 and many individuals seek more natural alternatives to Ambien for insomnia treatment. Zolpidem has sedative and hypnotic effects, similar to that of a benzodiazepine. It binds to the same GABA receptor sites as benzodiazepine medications.2
At Alternative to Meds Center, we know there are Ambien alternatives and often better solutions for mental health problems besides a lifetime of taking Ambien (aka becoming an “Ambien Zombie“). For people troubled by anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other conditions that have been unresponsive to Ambien, or who were unable to tolerate the side effects and the risks of physical dependence, Ambien alternatives assistance could change your life. Alternative to Meds Center offers Ambien alternatives treatment that allows people to taper off of this medication safely and comfortably and begin to use sustainable, holistic alternatives to Ambien.
Natural Ambien Alternatives
We have exhaustively researched and put into clinical practice the top Ambien Alternatives. Our published evidence supports that more than 76% of ATMC graduates report experiencing quality sleep patterns continuing six months to four years after residential care. This study compared people who came to the center on sleep medications against how they felt six months to four years after being medication free. The results of these studies have now been integrated into care and the next round of studies will likely even improve these gains further.
Proven Natural Ambien Alternatives Include:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)15
Kava (Piper methysticum) and GABA16
Taurine17-19
Niacinamide21
Magnesium22
Cannabidiol (CBD)23
Melatonin24
Tryptophan25,26
GABA and 5-HTP27
Theanine30,40
Valerian32,33
Talk therapies involving CBT7,34
Organic Mediterranean-style diet29
Reduce exposure to mold in the home and diet10,35
Eliminate Aspartame28
Eliminate MSG, and limit other glutamate containing foods11,36,37
Acupuncture14
Exercise39
Test for and address heavy metals and other neurotoxic accumulations in the body12,13,38
Reduce exposure to EMFs and Wi-Fi8
Invoke good sleep hygiene including blue light blocking8,9
Supplements as Ambien Alternatives
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
2017 article published in Sleep Science, sleep experiments using Passiflora were conducted on male adult Wistar rats. EEG and other methods were used to determine sleep states during the nine hours before and another nine hours after administration. They found that Passiflora significantly improved the total sleep time The researchers concluded that Passiflora can be considered a sleep inducer.15
Kava (Piper methysticum) and Valerian
In 2001 Phytotherapy Research covered a study involving 24 patients suffering from stress-induced insomnia. The participants were administered kava at 120 mg daily for six weeks. Then after a 2-week cooling-off period, the 19 returning subjects received valerian 600 mg daily for an additional six weeks. Though the evidence was not strong, the authors concluded that the administrations may be useful in the treatment of insomnia.16
Taurine
Nature of Science and Sleep in 2010 investigated the effect of taurine using the fruit fly Drosophila. Taurine is a GABA receptor facilitator, and as such is considered inhibitory to neuronal firing. They found taurine to increase total sleep by 50%.17
Niacinamide
Hospital News in 2005 concluded that a niacin variant (niacinamide) possesses anti-anxiety effects that compare similarly to benzodiazepines. Authors state that niacinamide appears to exert this anti-anxiety phenomenon by neuromodulating neurotransmitters that are typically unbalanced in anxiety.21
Magnesium
Journal of Research in Medical Sciences in 2012 detail a double-blind randomized clinical trial regarding the effectiveness of magnesium on sleep patterns in elderly people. 46 participants were randomly divided into the magnesium or a placebo group for 8 weeks. The magnesium group received 500 mg of magnesium. The magnesium supplementation experiment group demonstrated statistically significant increases in sleep time. Subjective measures for insomnia, sleep time, and sleep onset latency, early morning awakening all showed improvements compared to the placebo controls.22
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The Permanente Journal in 2012 evaluated a retrospective set of case studies from 72 adults at a psychiatric facility regarding the application of CBD for anxiety and sleep complaints. Sleep scores showed demonstrable improvement during the first month in 48 patients (66.7%) but showed varied improvements long term.23
Melatonin
Published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research in 2013, Garzon et al’s study covered the benefits of melatonin on the elderly. The study showed that melatonin performed better than a placebo sugar pill to boost sleep scores and to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The authors also noted that melatonin positively assists in the discontinuation of hypnotic medications.24
Tryptophan
Medicine (Baltimore) 2016. Forty-five subjects were randomly divided into a tryptophan and control group during this 2-week study, with 24 taking tryptophan and 21 placebos. The outcomes were measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale score and the tryptophan group significantly performed better than the placebo group. Additionally, no serious adverse issues were reported for the duration of the study.25
The Journal of Psychiatric Research in 1982 reviewed 40 controlled studies concerning the effects of L-tryptophan on sleep in humans. The bulk of evidence showed that L-tryptophan at doses of 1 gram or more produced betterment in subjective sleep scores and a decrease in the time it took to get to sleep. The most positive results occurred in those with mild insomnia, or in subjects reporting difficultly falling asleep. They found the results for severe insomniacs to be mixed depending on the study reviewed.26
GABA and 5-HTP
American Journal of Therapeutics published an article in 2010 regarding the effect of Gabadone (a preparation containing both GABA and 5-HTP) on 18 patients with sleep disorders. The study was an outpatient, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Gabadone decreased the time it took to fall asleep, increased the length and extent of sleep, and improved the overall quality of sleep.27
Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid first discovered in green tea and has been well-established for its anti-anxiety and relaxation properties. A 2019 Pharmaceutical Biology study investigated the sleep effect of a GABA and Theanine combination in rat models. They found that the application of the GABA-theanine produced a positive synergistic effect on the quality of sleep and went on to discuss the possible mechanisms.40
Nutrients in 2019 covered a four-week long randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and double-blind trial in 30 adults so as to ascertain the effects of L-theanine administration on stress and sleep-related symptoms. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores improved including a reduction in the time to fall asleep, increases in the quality of sleep, reductions in sleep disturbance, and a reduction in the use of sleep medications after L-theanine administration as compared to the placebo controls.30
Valerian
Acta Medica Portuguesa in 2011 noted that despite valerian being considered a world-renown herbal sedative, they could not fully authenticate the herb’s anxiolytic effects at this time despite some positive findings.32 The American Journal of Medicine in 2013 performed an extensive review of the literature and chose 16 eligible studies amounting to a total of 1093 patients. They claim that the majority of studies possessed challenging methodologic issues, particularly regarding valerian doses, preparation methods, and treatment duration varied considerably. Their systematic review does suggest that valerian may improve sleep quality but they stopped short of being definitive due to the methodological problems.33
Talk Therapies for Insomnia
(CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A recent 2016 article published by Harvard Health Publishing based upon research by both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health claims that CBT was “more effective at treating chronic insomnia than prescription sleep medication.” The benefits of CBT produced positive changes in patients’ ability to get to sleep and also stay asleep. These benefits were maintained even a year after CBT treatment concluded meaning that they were sustainable. They went so far as to say that CBT should be used prior to medication noting that CBT is as good as medications like Ambien in the short term relief of chronic insomnia, and even more effective than the medications long-term. They commented that hypnotic drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) have dependency issues, morning stupor, drug tolerance effects, and can at times create rebound insomnia, especially when discontinued. CBT therapy was sustainable even after cognitive therapy was concluded.7,34
Other Therapeutic Sleep interventions Include:
Sleep restriction therapy6
Reconditioning
Relaxation techniques
CBT-I (CBT for Insomnia)6
Sleep restriction therapy and CBT-I may benefit individuals with insomnia who spend too much time in their beds trying to fall asleep unsuccessfully, according to the National Sleep Foundation.6 At first, a sleep restriction program may consist of allowing only a few hours of sleep at night. Sleep time is gradually increased until a normal night of sleep is achieved. Reconditioning is another therapy that can help people with insomnia by reconditioning them to only associate their bed with sleep. Clients at Alternative to Meds Center are given individualized programming based on their unique situation and needs.
Relaxation therapy is another form of Ambien alternatives help — a set of simple to learn behavioral techniques effective for sleep.
According to a recent article in Psychology Today online magazine, specific and effective techniques exist that can eliminate or at least vastly reduce body tension and anxiety.4,5
As a result of these therapies, the muscles relax, the individual’s mind is able to stop “racing,” and restful sleep can occur. It can take practice and proper instruction to effectively learn these techniques but is worthwhile to achieve effective relaxation.
Organic Mediterranean-Style Diet
Nutrients in 2020 discussed how diet and nutritional balance correlated to sleep. And while they mentioned a variety of diets that could achieve this, they specifically noted the Mediterranean Diet (high fiber plant-based foods with lean meats and the restriction of low-quality carbohydrates) has been shown to improve sleep quality.29
Toxic Mold Syndrome
The Amen Clinics on one of their pages discussing toxic mold syndrome claim toxic mold exposure can cause anxiety and insomnia along with a long list of other symptoms.10 More on the subject of toxic mold syndrome can be found by reading Mold Warriors: Fighting America’s Hidden Health Threat by Ritchie C. Shoemaker.35
Eliminate Aspartame
In a 2018 Nutritional Neuroscience article, researchers discuss the role of the artificial sweetener Aspartame (α-aspartyl-l-phenylalanine-o-methyl ester) and its connection to mental health and cognitive problems. They discuss some of the neurophysiological symptoms associated with Aspartame including migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. They believe the mechanism could be that aspartame elevates the levels of phenylalanine and aspartic acid which then affect the synthesis, modulation, and release of other neurochemicals in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Aspartame also elevates plasma cortisol levels, indicative of stress on the endocrine system and therefore the neurochemistry.28
Eliminate MSG, and Limit Other Glutamate Containing Foods
In 2015, published in the Biomolecules journal, researchers discussed the role of excess glutamate and how it is involved in depression and anxiety, which they termed “glutamate dysregulation.” Glutamate is a component of MSG.11
In a 2013 Nutrition journal article, researchers sought to assess whether monosodium glutamate (MSG) intake is linked to sleep-disordered breathing. This Jiangsu nutrition study analyzed 1227 Chinese participants and found that MSG intake was associated with higher incidences of snoring and a high probability of sleep-disordered breathing, especially in those with body weight less than 23 Kg.36
The Excli Journal in 2018 found that even the lowest doses of MSG had toxic effects on both animals and humans and asked for consideration for its removal as a food additive.37
Acupuncture as an Ambien Alternative
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine produced an article in 2009 discussing sleep and acupuncture treatments. Researchers reviewed a total of forty-six (46) randomized trials that were vetted for quality and acceptable design. The included studies possessed collectively 3811 patients in total. Their analysis showed a beneficial effect of acupuncture compared with no treatment or in other instances sham acupressure by demonstrating improved scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Surprisingly, acupuncture for insomnia was superior to medications regarding the number of patients who experienced a total sleep duration increase greater than 3 hours.14
Exercise as an Ambien (Zolpidem) Alternative
In 2012, a systematic review was done on research regarding the effect of exercise on sleep and published in Clinics San Paulo. Their inclusion criteria narrowed the studies down to five. They concluded that exercise training is effective at reducing sleep complaints and insomnia. And furthermore, that specifically the benefits from aerobic exercise are similar to those observed after using hypnotic medications like Ambien.39
Toxic Impairment and Insomnia
Toxins affect the functionality of neurochemistry in a negative way. The Alternative to Meds Center, as an environmental medicine facility, uses holistic and functional medicine to repair and clean up an accumulated toxic burden that may be interfering with the neurochemistry’s ability to self-regulate. The success of this approach, we feel, is more sustainable over the long term without the complicating side-effects of adding drugs to the problem.
Testing and Removal of Heavy Metals to Improve Sleep
Mercury
In 2012, Professors Alfred Kobal and Darja Grum at the Department of Occupational Medicine in Slovenia discuss elemental mercury exposure and sleep disorders. They attribute the symptoms of “mercury erethism” (abnormal mental excitation or irritation) to include irritability, mood instability, insomnia, and other neurobehavioral changes such as depression. While the aforementioned has been well-established, the exact mechanisms have been under-discussed in the literature. The researchers drew a correlation to how mercury blocks presynaptic sodium and calcium channels, thereby inhibiting glutamate uptake. This then increases the concentrations of glutamate extracellularly on the surrounding neurons producing neurotoxic effects due to overstimulation (excitotoxicity). This increase in glutamate then can reduce the serotonin levels by way of tryptophan availability. Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin, and it is serotonin that then makes melatonin. They theorize that glutamate, and the inflammatory cytokines that result from glutamate excess, activate a tryptophan metabolizing enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. A separate mechanism increases the production of nitrogen oxide. Both mechanisms can directly influence serotonin and melatonin levels and thus decrease sleep.12 We took the time to explain the technical aspects of this because Alternative to Meds has seen a strong correlation between mercury levels and a triad of symptoms: OCD-like ruminations, anxiety, and insomnia that present as being more or less constant. We truly feel that in those afflicted with that triad, and a body mercury load, the mercury burden has to be cleaned up in order to accelerate relief. Our experience leads us to consider that those experiencing insomnia, especially the constant and chronic type, should get evaluated for mercury burden.
Lead
In a 2015 Sleep article, blood lead levels were measured in a total of 665 children aged 3-5 years old, and sleep markers were assessed at 9-13 years of age. The researchers found significant positive correlations between increased blood lead levels and delays in sleep onset, sleep duration, and frequency of waking in the night. They found that those above 10.0 μg/dL blood lead levels were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms and also were correlated with a higher prevalence of using sleep medications to combat the symptoms.38
Sleep Hygiene
In 2020, an article appeared in the Harvard Business Review regarding sleep improvement research on blue light blocking glasses. Randomized participants spent one week using blue light blocking glasses for two hours before bed and then spent another one week wearing exactly similar, but fake lenses that did not filter out blue light. The subjects were unaware of which glasses they were wearing during each study period. As a result of the blue-light-filtering glasses, subjects while wearing them reported getting 11-14% higher quality sleep.9
Healthy Sleep Hygiene Habits Include*
Make a strong habit of going to, and getting out of bed at the same time, including holidays and weekends.
Allow yourself to begin your sleep routine early enough so as to provide at least 7 hours of sleep.
Only go to bed when sleepy.
If you cannot get to sleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.
Create a pre-sleep routine that evokes relaxation.
Use the bed area for only sleep and sex. Do not put an office in your bedroom.
Design your bedroom to be a relaxing space, keeping it at a cool, but comfortable temperature.
Reduce any nighttime exposures to bright light.
Turn off home electronic devices such as phones, TV, and Wi-Fi at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Do not consume large meals before bedtime, opting for a light healthy snack if hungry
Get regular exercise, especially some active cardio.
Maintain a diet that is healthy, avoiding living off of carbs and sweets.
Discontinue late afternoon or evening caffeine.
No alcohol before bed.
Do not drink a lot of fluids prior to getting to bed. (reducing waking to pee)
* Source: American Alliance for Healthy Sleep 8
Mixing Ambien and Alcohol, Other Substances
Those who take Ambien should be made acutely aware of the dangers of mixing Ambien and alcohol. Since both substances are CNS suppressors, their combined effect can result in over-sedation, which can be problematic if driving or operating heavy machinery, etc. In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse states that mixing alcohol and medications can be deadly.3
Zolpidem overdose often requires admission to an emergency ICU for life-saving treatment. Ambien users who concurrently use other drugs like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or other types of CNS suppressants are at risk for overdose even when these may have been prescribed.
At Alternative to Meds, we believe it is overall safer and more effective to utilize natural treatments for insomnia to avoid such negative impacts linked to prescription sleeping pills.
When Sleeping Pills No Longer Work
When sedative sleeping pills aren’t working or are causing significant problems, individuals may consider Ambien alternatives treatment. In most cases, identifying and treating the underlying problems and causes or using specific behavioral techniques may significantly help to treat insomnia.
Insomnia may be a result of one or more of many possible underlying physical, psychological, or medical problems. In many of these cases, treating the root cause with various alternatives to Ambien can improve or eliminate the unwanted condition or symptoms. For example, identifying certain behaviors such as not exercising, eating poorly, compulsively drinking caffeine, smoking cigarettes, or drinking alcohol, which can worsen insomnia, and eliminating (or reducing) these behaviors may profoundly benefit a person during insomnia treatment. These are examples of how the reduction of symptoms can be done in a drug-free manner.
Alternative to Meds Center provides customized programs for each client, with individualized recommendations for diet, targeted supplementation, and nutritional needs. We aim to identify and correct the causes of the symptoms that led you to take Ambien.1
Integrating Ambien Alternatives
Alternative to Meds Center’s Ambien alternatives program offers comprehensive help that includes using natural substances to support neurochemistry and removing neurotoxins accumulated in the individual’s system from the use of drugs, or from environmental exposure to toxins, etc. that will be identified by testing. Peer support can help significantly, as well as the beneficial effects of many therapies that are provided such as massage, physical exercise, acupuncture, sauna therapy, yoga, relaxation therapies, Reiki, equine-assisted therapy, art and music therapy, and more.
Contact Alternative to Meds Center
We use scientific, natural approaches to balance the body and brain. The goal at Alternative to Meds Center is to provide relief that lasts. The scientific methods we use to reduce or end medication use and stabilize the brain have helped thousands of our clients achieve relief from insomnia and other mental health concerns.
To find out more, please call us today. Professional counselors are available to answer any questions you or your loved one may have regarding the Ambien alternatives that are part of the Alternative to Meds Center roster of programs that promote mental health naturally.
29. Muscogiuri G, Barrea L, Aprano S, Framondi L, Di Matteo R, Laudisio D, Pugliese G, Savastano S, Colao A, on behalf of the OPERA PREVENTION Project. Sleep Quality in Obesity: Does Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Matter? Nutrients. 2020 May 10;12(5):1364. doi: 10.3390/nu12051364. PMID: 32397621; PMCID: PMC7284844. [cited 2021 Jan 11]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) 15
In 2012, Professors Alfred Kobal and Darja Grum at the Department of Occupational Medicine in Slovenia discuss elemental mercury exposure and sleep disorders. They attribute the symptoms of “mercury erethism” (abnormal mental excitation or irritation) to include irritability, mood instability, insomnia, and other neurobehavioral changes such as depression. While the aforementioned has been well-established, the exact mechanisms have been under-discussed in the literature. The researchers drew a correlation to how mercury blocks presynaptic sodium and calcium channels, thereby inhibiting glutamate uptake. This then increases the concentrations of glutamate extracellularly on the surrounding neurons producing neurotoxic effects due to overstimulation (excitotoxicity). This increase in glutamate then can reduce the serotonin levels by way of tryptophan availability. Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin, and it is serotonin that then makes melatonin. They theorize that glutamate, and the inflammatory cytokines that result from glutamate excess, activate a tryptophan metabolizing enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. A separate mechanism increases the production of nitrogen oxide. Both mechanisms can directly influence serotonin and melatonin levels and thus decrease sleep.12 We took the time to explain the technical aspects of this because Alternative to Meds has seen a strong correlation between mercury levels and a triad of symptoms: OCD-like ruminations, anxiety, and insomnia that present as being more or less constant. We truly feel that in those afflicted with that triad, and a body mercury load, the mercury burden has to be cleaned up in order to accelerate relief. Our experience leads us to consider that those experiencing insomnia, especially the constant and chronic type, should get evaluated for mercury burden.
Make a strong habit of going to, and getting out of bed at the same time, including holidays and weekends.
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