Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that acts as a selective agonist of the α1 subunit of GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system. While primarily used as a sleep aid, it has shown potential in managing cluster headaches by potentially modulating neuronal excitability and providing short-term relief through its central nervous system depressant properties. Its mechanism may involve reducing neuronal hyperactivity associated with cluster headache pathogenesis.