In the simplest terms, insomnia is the result of your brain's "awake chemicals" being more active than its "sleep chemicals." Awake chemicals include adrenaline and noradrenaline — all the things that get you revved up.

As for sleep chemicals, the most important is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down brain activity so that your mind and body can relax, allowing you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Sleep requires your "awake chemicals" to lower and levels of GABA in increase.

If you have insomnia, you aren't able to make this chemical shift as easily. So the "awake chemicals" overpower the brain, making it extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Lunesta helps you fall asleep quickly, so take it right before bed. Be sure you have at least eight hours to devote to sleep before becoming active. Until you know how you'll react to Lunesta, you should not drive or operate machinery. Do not take Lunesta with alcohol. Call your doctor right away if after taking Lunesta you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur. Most sleep medicines carry some risk of dependency. Do not use sleep medicines for extended periods without first talking to your doctor. Side effects may include unpleasant taste, headache, drowsiness and dizziness. For more information, please see the Lunesta Medication Guide.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. Lunesta is a medicine used to treat Insomnia. Remember that no medicine is for everyone. Only your doctor can prescribe Lunesta for you.