That is not the case for everyone, some meds effect people differently than it may for others.
Often I find Ativan more helpful,relaxes me enough,allowing thoughts that haunt my mind when I'm trying to fall asleep.
Oh, btw benzo's are not sleeping pills,they are anti-anxiety
meds.
Ambien,Sonata,etc. can help some fall asleep,but in the AM feel zonked out.
Anti anxiety meds, can help let you relax enough to enter sleep, and yes, the levels of sleep go uniterrupted,resulting with waking up well rested.
I personally feel meds that help people sleep, need to be based on what is causing the person to have difficulty falling asleep, many cases if it is due to anxiety (stuff going on in one's life) one may benefit more with a med to address that sensation, if it's some sort of pain, then a pain reducer with sleep aid in it may be a good option, if Bipolar mania, mood stabilizer and temporary use of an anti-anxiety med. cause the first key, is stabilization, then other courses of action will follow according to pdoc's recommendation. If one is trying to skirt around the stabilizer and has Bipolar disorder, it's like skipping a step, trying to get to "c" from "a" and not going to "b".
I'm just trying to shed light on that there is not always a black or white answer, but we need to try to be open to what may and does work for us individualy.
I do not see the many meds already mentioned as being bad or one worse/better than the other, it's what is used as prescribed,not abused, that matters.
And always remember to keep in touch with the prescribing physician if you are having any side effects that are bothersome, you can check the monograph that is attached with your meds when you pick them up at the pharmacy.
I wish you all lots of luck with this.
and a good nite's ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz's