@jeffkboyce
I don’t remember specifically how long I took Ambien but it was no doubt less than one year however I never took it every single night. I don’t believe that is safe to do. There have been studies done which show a decrease in life expectancy who regularly take sleeping medications. I haven’t thoroughly investigated or analyzed those studies so I can’t really speak as to the validity of their claims. However I would never take sleeping medications on a regular basis over a long period of time. I suffer from insomnia and if I sleep fine if I don’t fine.
But as I recall I never had any problem coming off Ambien at all probably because I never took it on a regular basis. If I remember correctly I just stopped yet with no problems. I don’t believe in taking medication if it’s not absolutely necessary. However, I have no choice but to take seizure medication which for me according to my doctors is a life-saving medication even though they never controlled my seizures for 44 years but due to my history of convulsive status epilepticus the doctors insisted that I take them (up to 30 a day.) I am now down to only 10 which is 10 too many but if I don’t take them I will have seizures usually within 24 hours. I do sleep better if I would get more exercise. I sleep better if I go for a walk in the evening provided it’s long enough.
I hope you find an answer to your sleep issues however there are alternatives (sometimes) besides prescription medication which in my own personal opinion often do more harm than good. I have my doctor quite well trained now, whenever she wants to give me a new prescription she asks me “may I give you a prescription” which I usually reply “probably not” “but I’m willing to listen to why you think it’s necessary” sometimes I take them but usually not.”
Sorry Jeff I sort of went off on a tangent.
Take care of yourself and get some good quality sleep,
Jake