The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a new drug for people with insomnia.

The agency approved the sale of Lunesta, made by the pharmaceutical company Sepracor, for both chronic and occasional insomnia, a problem for millions of people.

Lunesta was approved after clinical trials lasting more than a year showed it remained effective even when taker over time.

The drug, taken as a pill, is non-narcotic, the company reported, and helps people remain asleep all night, not just to fall asleep.