Rebound insomnia is the sleep difficulties after stopping the use of a hypnotic medication.

Rebound insomnia is a phenomenon that occurs in people that have used or abused sedative substances such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates. The common medicines known to cause this problem are Lunesta and Ambien. These medications are prescribed to people that have trouble sleeping and work by increasing chloride entry into neurons, thus sedating the person.