I take the extended release ambien,I have taken xanax and they do work well better than Valium for me.I have also used adavan and they do a good job.The Ambien do give me a buzz if I stay up for an hour or so,but I get into a stupor and pass out eventually.Xanax or any benzo for that matter won't wack me out with just one.I have argued the fact with my doctor that Xanax would be better,he says they are addictive and won't give them to me,they are also much cheaper than ambien like 5 bucks for a months supply.He loves shoving more and more adderall down my throat and they are just as addictive IMO.I occasionally go off the adderall to prove I can.Its funny cause it's like the Dr. Knows I am off my adderall.I wish I could get a script for Xanax.I have boughtthem off the internet sites but they are just as high dollar as ambien that way,and I can just go to my corner drug store and get them,no waiting three weeks and getting a nasty gram from customs.I do have sleep apnea also,my main problem isn't going to sleep it is staying asleep.I also sleep with A CPAP that blows air in me all night,it's funny cause I used to couldn't stand that thing now I can't sleep without it(I feel like I am suffocating).