MY husband suffers from chronic insomnia, joining more than 50 million Americans who occasionally take some form of sleep aid medication.

This sleep disturbance is the third most common medical complaint in the United States. Various drugs have been tried for the relief of insomnia.

In the past, benzodiazepines such as valium were popular sleep medications. However, they are known to cause confusion, agitation and, in some cases, hallucinations.

Then, most individuals took drugs (hypnotics) classified as short-acting non-benzodiazepines, including temazepam (Restoril) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

The most popular prescription sleep aids or hypnotics are zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata) since they first hit the market in the late 1980s. However, Ambien and Sonata were not introduced in the U.S. until the 1990s.

Because they cause fewer side effects than their predecessors (benzodiazepines), Ambien and Sonata have become very popular sleep aid medications. However, in spite of their diminished risks, they should be taken for only seven to 10 days since they could become habit forming.

Fortunately for those afflicted, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the new prescription drug eszopiclone (Lunesta), the first non-benzodiazepine that can be used for the long-term treatment of insomnia.

Just like benzodiazepines and other non-benzodiazepines, Lunesta relieves insomnia by acting on GABA-A receptor sites in the areas in the brain which are thought to be most closely associated with sleep.

According to Mandy C. Leonard, Pharm.D., manager of The Cleveland Clinic drug information service, Lunesta is the only prescription drug proven to be safe and effective for use over an extended period of time.

Results of a study of 788 patients taking Lunesta showed that no sign of any tolerance or addiction was noted when the drug was used over a long period of time (up to six months). Also, patients did not experience the “hang-over” often caused by other sleep medications.

The September 2005 issue of the Men’s Health Advisor offers the following precautions when taking Lunesta:

1. Do not take the drug with or immediately after a high-fat or heavy meal, which could slow down the drug’s effect.

2. The prescribed dose is best taken right before going to bed since one may become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded and uncoordinated soon after taking the drug.

3. Lunesta tablets must be swallowed whole to help one sleep for six to nine hours.

4. Lunesta should not be taken with other sleep medications, alcohol or certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline since drugs and substances could worsen its side effects.

5. If the insomnia does not improve, or if one feels extremely tired or weak, or senses a significant change in the ability to think clearly, call the doctor.

The most commonly reported side effects of Lunesta include unpleasant taste and headaches. Individuals age 65 and older could experience more side effects such as increased drowsiness, dizziness or anxiety.

Only those who suffer insomnia truly realize the heavy toll it takes on one’s energy, general well-being and the ability to tackle one’s daily activities.

The recent approval by the FDA of Lunesta, the only prescription drug proven safe and effective for the long-term treatment of insomnia, should be a welcome breakthrough for all those afflicted.