Sleep allows our mind and body to recover from the day and get ready for the next day. Sleep is divided into what’s called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Most of the time (about 80%) is spent in one of the four stages of non-REM sleep. Each stage has a specific function. For example, stage one helps prepare the mind and body for sleep while later stages, three and four, are thought to be more restorative.

Non-REM sleep
Stage 1 is the state between being awake and asleep. It is triggered by the release of the "sleep chemicals", GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) and serotonin, which prepare the brain for sleep.

Stage 2 is a light sleep.

Stage 3 and Stage 4 are the deepest, most difficult to interrupt and most refreshing stages of sleep. These two stages are thought to be the most restorative. It is thought that the brain chemical, GABA also plays a role in these stages.

REM sleep occurs cyclically throughout the night, alternating with Non-REM sleep approximately every 80 to100 minutes. Most dreams occur during the REM phase of 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.