Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications known as non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. By binding selectively to specific GABA receptors, Zolpidem slows down brain activity, facilitating faster sleep onset and reducing night-time awakenings.