As far as sleeping goes it worked well. I also woke up 2 or 3 hours later but would take another 5 mg and go back to sleep. My doctor prescribed 15 mg I split up throughout the night and it made me fall asleep fast.
But I liked the small high too much and couldn't wait for nighttime anymore plus I was still drinking and ccouldn't leave the ambien alone after a drink. I overdosed and did scary things a number of times.
10mg of melatonin is all I need to sleep now. I tried less and it didn't work well. The medication Trazadone also worked as well as Ambien, without the addictive quality. My insomnia was quite severe, too.
Best of luck! And remember alcohol disturbs sleep and won't give you the rest you need.