Ramelteon is a novel melatonergic receptor agonist that represents a new and effective approach to sleep promotion in insomnia. By acting specifically on the melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors, ramelteon decreases latency to persistent sleep and increases total sleep time without causing sedation. Ramelteon has a good profile, with no next-day residual effects, no rebound insomnia or withdrawal, minimal clinically meaningful disruption of sleep architecture, no memory impairment, no evidence of abuse potential and no acute effects on psychomotor function.