In Brief

A new sleeping pill

The most widely used prescription sleeping pills are benzodiazepines, including lorazepam (Ativan) and the related drugs zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Some physicians and patients also favor antidepressants, especially trazodone (Desyrel). Benzodiazepine receptor agonists increase the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is found throughout the brain. Antidepressants influence the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, which also have pervasive effects on the brain.

Ramelteon (Rozerem), approved in 2005 by the FDA, is a new kind of sleeping pill, more selective in its effects and — the hope is — safer. Whether it will prove to be as effective is still uncertain. It acts at receptors for the hormone melatonin, which helps to regulate the body's circadian (24-hour) rhythms, including the cycle of sleep and waking.