Hi Smita, I read your query and can understand your concern regarding your father s condition and possibility of any side effects of medicines. Zolfresh is the brand name for Zolpidem which is a sedative which is given for inducing sleep. Zolpidem is usually given as a short term measure for sleep disturbances. It is important to understand the reason why your father is having insomnia. Any underlying stress, anxiety or depression must be ruled out and treated accordingly. If the underlying condition is treated, sleep disturbances rectify spontaneously and for short term medications like zolpidem can be used. Zolpidem has relatively lesser propensity to cause dependence on it compared to other sedatives like benzodiazepines. The common side effects includes headache, nausea, occasionally confusion. Withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia may occur if zolpidem is stopped suddenly. Deciding to continue with zolpidem must be a clinical judgement of your father s physician. But, you can discuss regarding the underlying cause of insomnia, if any and consider initiating treatment for it rather than just treating insomnia. It is also important that proper sleep hygiene measures are also observed like avoiding tea/coffee, avoiding day time sleep, etc. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.