Zopiclone is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications for people who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. If you’ve ever taken it—or are considering it—you might be wondering: How long does Zopiclone last in the body?
Understanding how this medication works, how long it stays in your system, and when it wears off can help you use it more safely and effectively. In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms—from Zopiclone’s half-life to how long its effects actually last.
Contents
What Is Zopiclone and How Does It Work?
Zopiclone is a prescription-only sleeping pill that belongs to a class of medications known as “Z-drugs.” Unlike traditional benzodiazepines, Zopiclone is specifically designed to help people with short-term insomnia get restful sleep without as many side effects or risks of dependency — though it’s still important to use it responsibly. You can read our full guide on how Zopiclone works to understand its effects on your brain’s sleep mechanisms.
It works by affecting a chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps calm your nervous system. When GABA activity increases, your brain activity slows down, making it easier to fall asleep.
Most people feel the effects of Zopiclone within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it, and that’s why doctors recommend taking it just before bedtime.
How Long Does Zopiclone Last in the Body?
So, back to the main question—how long does Zopiclone last in the body?
In general, Zopiclone stays active in the body for about 6 to 8 hours, which is why it’s often prescribed to be taken before bed. However, this can vary depending on your age, body weight, metabolism, and overall health.
If you take Zopiclone at 10 PM, the noticeable sleep-inducing effects may last until 4 to 6 AM. But traces of the drug can still remain in your system for hours—or even days—after that.
Here’s a general idea of how long Zopiclone sticks around:
| Form | Duration of Action | Detectable In System |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75 mg (Low Dose) | 4–6 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| 7.5 mg (Standard) | 6–8 hours | Up to 72 hours |
So, while the sleep effects wear off in the morning, Zopiclone can still be detected in your body for a day or two.
Zopiclone Half-Life Explained
To understand how long a drug stays in your system, you need to know about something called half-life. This is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body.
Zopiclone has an average half-life of about 5 hours in healthy adults. That means after 5 hours, your body will have cleared out about 50% of the dose. According to Drugs.com, the medication is metabolized in the liver and gradually eliminated through urine.
Here’s a quick example:
- After 5 hours: 50% remains
- After 10 hours: 25% remains
- After 15 hours: 12.5% remains
The full clearance can take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the individual.
This is important to remember—especially if you’re thinking about taking another dose too soon, or if you’re worried about drug testing.
How Long Does Zopiclone Stay in Your System?
Even though the effects of Zopiclone wear off after you wake up, the medication doesn’t disappear from your body instantly.
Here’s how long Zopiclone may be detectable based on different types of drug tests:
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | 1 to 3 days |
| Blood | 6 to 20 hours |
| Saliva | Up to 48 hours |
| Hair | Several weeks (rare) |
So, if you’re taking Zopiclone and have a drug test coming up, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor ahead of time.
How Long Does Zopiclone Take to Wear Off?
Although Zopiclone helps most people sleep for about 6–8 hours, some users may still feel groggy or “hungover” the next morning—especially if they didn’t get a full night’s sleep.
Most users feel the sedative effects of Zopiclone for about 6–8 hours, though grogginess may linger. The NHS recommends only taking Zopiclone when you’re able to sleep for at least 7–8 hours to avoid next-day drowsiness.
Tips to help it wear off faster:
- Stick to the lowest effective dose (usually 3.75 mg or 7.5 mg)
- Avoid alcohol (it increases sedation)
- Make sure you have at least 7–8 hours to sleep before taking it
- Stay hydrated and well-rested
Zopiclone Duration of Action: What Affects It?
The Zopiclone duration of action—how long it makes you feel drowsy—depends on many personal factors, such as:
- Age: Older adults often clear Zopiclone more slowly
- Liver function: Since Zopiclone is metabolized in the liver, liver health plays a big role
- Other medications: Certain drugs can slow down or speed up how quickly Zopiclone is broken down
- Body weight and metabolism: Higher body fat may hold onto the drug longer
- Alcohol or drug use: Can increase drowsiness or prolong effects
It’s also worth noting that long-term use can reduce how effective Zopiclone feels, and can increase how long it lingers in the body. That’s one of the reasons it’s usually prescribed for no more than 7 to 14 days at a time.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While Zopiclone is generally safe when taken as prescribed, you should talk to your doctor if you experience:
- Grogginess or dizziness during the day
- Trouble waking up in the morning
- Memory problems or confusion
- Worsening insomnia after stopping the drug
- Signs of dependency or withdrawal
Never increase your dose without speaking to a healthcare provider. If you feel that Zopiclone is staying in your system too long, a dosage adjustment or alternative sleep aid might be better for you.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, how long Zopiclone lasts in the body depends on a variety of factors—your age, health, dose, and how your body processes medications. While the effects of the drug usually wear off after 6–8 hours of sleep, small amounts can stay in your system for a day or two.
Understanding Zopiclone’s half-life, duration of action, and clearance time can help you use it more safely and avoid next-day grogginess. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never mix it with alcohol or take more than prescribed.
If you’re concerned about how long Zopiclone stays in your system—or how it might affect your daily routine—don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional.