What is the half-life of Zopiclone?

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the half-life of Zopiclone. We’ll look at how Zopiclone works to help with sleep, how long it takes to start working and how long it typically stays in your system. We’ll also explain whether Zopiclone is safe for long-term use and highlight important considerations you need to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using this medication.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the half-life of Zopiclone:

Zopiclone enhances the effects of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms nerve activity, promoting relaxation and making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
The half-life of Zopiclone is approximately 5 hours, meaning it takes this long for its concentration in the bloodstream to reduce by half.
Zopiclone begins to work within about 1 hour of being taken, making it a fast-acting option for those struggling with insomnia.
Zopiclone stays in the system for around 12 hours, although some people may feel lingering drowsiness the next morning.
Zopiclone is not recommended for long-term use, as it can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

A man sat up in his bed in the middle of the night due to insomnia

How does Zopiclone work?

Zopiclone works by enhancing the effects of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA plays a crucial role in calming the brain by blocking nerve transmissions, which helps to reduce activity in the central nervous system. By increasing the effectiveness of GABA, Zopiclone promotes relaxation and makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

What is the half-life of Zopiclone?

The half-life of Zopiclone is approximately 5 hours [1]. This means that it takes around 5 hours for the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half. Zopiclone belongs to a group of medications known as z-drugs. These are non-benzodiazepine medications designed to aid sleep. Non-benzodiazepine medications work differently from benzodiazepine medications, meaning they also have different half-life durations. Benzodiazepines are typically classified into three groups when it comes to half-life. These are [2]:

Short half-life (<3 hours)
Medium half-life (8-24 hours)
Long half-life (>24 hours)

Unlike benzodiazepines, Zopiclone primarily interacts with receptors in the brain, producing sedative effects with fewer impacts on cognitive performance and memory. Its relatively short half-life allows it to be effective while reducing the likelihood of side effects the next day [3].

How long does Zopiclone take to start working?

Zopiclone typically starts working within around 1 hour of taking it. This makes it ideal for those who struggle to fall asleep. For the best results, it is usually recommended to take Zopiclone just before bed. It’s important to ensure you’re ready for a full night’s sleep when you take the medication, as its effects can last several hours.

How long will it stay in my system?

Zopiclone usually stays in your system for about 12 hours. Some people may still feel drowsy or sluggish the morning after taking it. If you notice this, it’s important to avoid activities that require full alertness, such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery. To minimise the risk of this prolonged effect occurring, always follow your prescribed dosage and take Zopiclone only when you can dedicate a full night to sleep.

Is Zopiclone safe for long-term use?

Zopiclone is generally not recommended for long-term use. It is used as a short-term solution for sleep issues and is typically prescribed for no longer than 2 to 4 weeks. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, meaning the medication becomes less effective over time. Long-term use can also increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms or rebound insomnia.

If you are struggling with chronic sleep issues, it’s important to consult with your doctor so that you can start using the most appropriate and effective medication for you.