Ambien never helped me sleep, I used to take it for insomnia when I was in high school. A few minutes after taking it (10 mgs) I would get really jovial and hyper. Sleep would be last thing on my mind, I'd actually be less tired that when I took it. Only some people get that reaction though. I heard that Irish people have more proficient livers because of all the years of hereditary alcohol abuse and that sleeping pills don't work well on Irish people. I heard it on the radio though so it could be complete bull shit. All in all don't expect ambien to be very recreational.