Even though sleep is often thought of as "natural" or something we should be able to do on our own, sometimes we need help to get our sleep cycle back on track. Just like medications specifically designed to help lower blood pressure, prescription sleep aids are specifically designed to help you sleep.

Prescription sleep aids have changed for the better.
Many people still associate today's sleep aids with the old fashioned, highly addictive Hollywood "sleeping pill." Due to scientific research, today we have newer medicines, like Lunesta^® (eszopiclone).

The standard is higher
According to experts in the field of insomnia, it is clear that the goals of insomnia medication have been expanded.

Treatment should provide the following benefits (in most of their patients):

• Fall asleep quickly
• Stay asleep
• No evidence of tolerance with long-term, nightly use
• Insomnia does not get worse when treatment is stopped
• No next-day residual effects (grogginess)
• Low potential for abuse and physical dependency
• Does not significantly disrupt sleep architecture

Prescription sleep aids are not always the answer
Although prescription sleep aids have improved significantly over time, as with all medications, they do have potential side effects, such as the risk of dependence. As always, make sure you talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking a prescription sleep aid and to determine a sleep plan that’s right for you and your specific sleep problem.

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.