It's marginally better but it also has longer legs the following morning. Ex. when I was on Ambien CR I would sometimes wake up and get ready for the day and do my normal activities and realize later in the day that my memory of having done those things was extremely hazy.

Ambien of either type for a long time isn't the absolute best idea. I'm not a die-hard about this--as someone with other medical problems, I understand only too well that sometimes you go with the least worst option.

But: what else have you tried?

I've been on regular Ambien for a long time, and it has been very helpful. I have a hard time getting to sleep.
But lately, I wake up in the middle of the night. Does anyone with experience on Ambien Controlled Release have advice? Would it "keep me asleep" or should I stick with the regular one?
TIA