Key takeaways
Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zaleplon) are both sedative-hypnotic medications used to treat insomnia, but they have some key differences. Lunesta helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, while Sonata mainly helps you fall asleep but isn't as effective for staying asleep. Lunesta can be taken every night if needed, but it may cause side effects like a bad taste in your mouth and headaches. Sonata is typically used for short-term treatment (up to 30 days) and may cause less drowsiness the next morning because it doesn't last as long in the body. Both medications can lead to dependence and have risks of abnormal sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving. Both Lunesta and Sonata are available as generic at lower costs.
