[Michigan1966]

I used to sleep just fine, but about 1.5 years ago something changed. I can’t pinpoint it but lots of factors. I’m a 51 y/o female. My dad died in 2015, dog died (I do have 2 dogs now), then 2 cats, Mom is 91 with memory loss and won’t move into senior living, peri-menopause, etc... So I know all those weigh in. I was waking up every hour for months. I think I ended up getting in a car accident from being so tired - just not as focused as normal. I didn’t fall asleep or anything. Luckily no one was hurt.

I’ve had depression and anxiety for years. I’ve also been on Effexor for years. Xanax was also part of the regimen, but I got off that a few years ago (it never made me fall asleep anyway). I tried Melatonin, Benadryl hydroxyzine and a few others with no success.

Anyway, I’m on Ambien (Zolpidem) 10mg. since last year and it is really good for me to be able to sleep!

I’m wondering if anyone else has had any side effects or done odd things? Last night I got up to go pee and fell asleep while doing so! I landed flat on my face. It probably looked hilarious- luckily I didn’t hurt myself! I’ve also made food and not really realized it.

I’ve heard some people actually go out and drive — Wow!

Good night all. Zzzzz

I would have barely coherent conversations with peoplw and forget them. I once gave a guy friend advice that really wasn't advice at all. It was just me talking. Lol. But I have been told people can do various things while on it.

[*Laurie*]

I took Ambien for a short time. I stopped taking it because, in my sleep, I got online and gave a friend of mine the cell phone number of the first cell phone I'd ever owned, ten years earlier.

It was really unsettling. I didn't even remember my old cell number when I was awake (I still don't). When my friend told me (online) that she had tried to call me (using the number I'd given to her) I was confused, then shocked. I had NO memory of getting up, getting online, and giving my friend my old number.

The whole thing was extremely creepy and I've never taken Ambien since.

[orangyred]

I don't take any sleep aids. Well, nothing prescribed by the doctor. Every once in a great while I'll take some OTC sleep aids. But those even leave me out of sorts that I hate taking them.

Your mentioning that you fell asleep going to to the bathroom reminds me of the times I've almost fell asleep while I'm running. I haven't yet. But I've been darn near close. I'll close my eyes and keep going. Somehow I stay awake. Glad you didn't hurt yourself! But dang that sucks.