08:44 AM PST on Thursday, March 9, 2006

By LINDA BYRON / KING 5 News

SEATTLE - When you think of driving under the influence, alcohol comes to mind. But a popular sleeping pill is becoming a problem on Western Washington roadways.

The State Patrol is discovering that an increasing number of drivers are impaired by Ambien, the nation's most popular sleeping pill. Troopers say the drivers often act like they're drunk.

"Very bad swerving, swerving all over the road, being involved in collisions," said Sgt. Rob Sharpe, a drug recognition expert with the Washington State Patrol.

The state toxicology lab in Seattle tests every blood sample taken following a DUI arrest. State toxicologist Barry Logan began noticing Ambien-related DUI's a few years ago.

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"We see it in people stopped and arrested by police, but tragically we also see it in fatal accidents," he said.

Some drivers have admitted taking Ambien and other sleeping pills on their way home from work or a social event, not realizing it can kick in within 20 or 30 minutes.

Incidents have increased from 56 in 2004 to 78 last year. Some involve bizarre behavior such as reports of people "sleep driving" with no memory of even getting behind the wheel.

"Semi clothed or unclothed, they're very disoriented or confused, sometimes they can't remember their own name or where they live," Sgt. Sharpe said.

The maker of Ambien tells NBC News, "Although sleepwalking may occur during treatment with Ambien, it may not necessarily be caused by it."

State toxicology reports show Ambien is just one of many drugs impairing drivers. The number of DUIs involving drugs has increased ten fold in as many years.