I had been taking Zolpidem ( Ambien genetic) for about 20 years. My dose has been 12.5 mg for the entire time. It was very helpful in dealing with insomnia. Recently (about two months ago), I decided to stop taking this medication. It was rough for about three nights because of light sleep and restlessness. I discovered that I could get a 7-hour night of sleep thereafter and that it was achievable night after night. I am still off of Zolpidem 12.5 mg, My sleep seems to be normal. I was able to take one zolpidem four nights ago to help me sleep through pain from a shoulder injury, but could get to sleep without this medication thereafter without sleepless, light sleep returning.
I was able to stop nightly use of zolpidem once I got through three nights of very uncomfortable, restless sleep when I stopped taking this medication.
Wish you success and encourage you to persevere. Talk with your prescribing physician before you do this, however.