Z-Drugs: How Do They Work?

  Z-drugs differ from other hypnotic agents in the duration of their action and their side effects. There are three Z-drugs: zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon. They’re among many drugs used to treat insomnia. However, Z-drugs cause little or no alteration of sleep architecture. Insomnia has numerous causes. In fact, it may be involved in the onset, exacerbation, or relapse of many psychiatric disorders. It can also be a sign that there’s simply something wrong. After all, sleep is a basic need of the human being and studies recommend that adults should ideally sleep between seven and nine hours a night….