A subject dear to me:-) I didnt sleep well at all when I drank. I also don't function well with less than 7-8 solid hours sleep a night. So...I have a night routine that works for me. Also in the day, exercise, and don't drink caffeine at all after around noon.
An hour before bed I don't watch any movies, or TV. 1/2 hour before I go to bed I do a 10th step, and a gratitude list. along with a short journal entry. I then read, turn off the lights, say prayers esp thanks for being sober and I go to sleep.
That 1/2 hour before bed I'm not on my ipad, I'm just reading. I've found that really helps
Oh and in the first year I pretty regularly took melatonin about 3 hours before bed. It also helped alott.

i heard about melatonin , i it safe?

Is it safe? well....from what I've read yes. I used it on and off for a year. Its naturally occuring in your body. Google it. I'm not at all qualified to give you medical advice. Just telling you what works for me.

For me, getting plenty of exercise everyday helped. I had to do extra work around the house too. If I do not tire myself I sometimes have to take a sleep aide. Benedryl or valerian root.

For me, it just took time. Lots. I tried to avoid meds, but something like valerian root worked for me in the past. sticky there has a wicked plan there. Everyone finds their way to good rest, but the basics she outlined - exercise, winding down, etc. works for me too.

Yep, sleep was PAINFUL for me...life became not being able to get to sleep no matter how much I drank and not being able to come to/get out next day. Things persisted for me for some time after putting drink down. Time and patience was the answer.

Lots less caffeine, especially after 3pm, getting outside in the sun, mixing with others and not isolating, meditation and getting comofrtable sitting with myself and importantly some emotional balance/well being. That last part took some work and courage, things needed digging up and addressing but I never got anything I couldn't handle.

Now I mostly drift off pretty soon after hitting the pillow, that for me is a real blessing never thought it would happen for me. Sleep pills were a no-no I decided but I spent some time on SSRI anti-depressants, that was part of my journey. But the spiritual (non chemical/material) journey was the most important.

This too will pass.

P

Google 'sleep hygiene' and follow directions, you will eventually slip into a sleep routine. Sometimes waking up around 5am is a sign of depression but I wouldn't see a doctor about that unless it is still happening 3 months from now!

One of the reasons I started drinking was insomnia. Even in high school I had difficulty sleeping. I would not fall asleep until 4 in the morning, wake up at 7 and feel awful all day.

When I first quit drinking I was able to sleep. I needed more sleep than normal -- I think my body was trying to heal itself from years of excessive drinking.

After a few months the insomnia kicked back in. I tried every single thing I could think of to establish a good sleep routine:

-- No caffeine after 10 am
-- Regular exercise
-- Set bed time ritual (Stickywick has a good one!)
-- Warm milk in evening
-- Meditation
-- Sleep tapes

I also tried melatonin and other herbal relaxation aids. (BTW -- be careful with melatonin. My understanding is that if you take it too often or take too much it can mess with your natural melatonin levels.)

Unfortunately, I still had insomnia, and at 15 months sober I finally gave in and went to a doctor about it. I now take a non narcotic med to help me sleep. Most people can get to a point where if they work at it they can regulate their sleep patterns. I could not do it -- wish I could. (Seems to run in my family.)

You are pretty new to sobriety. It will take time for your body to adjust. You'll be okay if you have some nights where you only get a few hours sleep. Give some time -- 6 months to a year, and see if you can work it out. If not, see a doctor.

On the plus side, getting through a day without a good nights sleep is much easier than getting through a day with an awful hangover!

Everyone is different. A HUGE reason why I quit drinking is because I could NOT fall asleep. I would lie in bed restless, staring at the ceiling, having high anxiety. When I quit drinking is when I got the best sleep. There are times I take melatonin or a sleeping aid, but overall, I am good without booze. Be patient, sleep will come easier. Life is better without alcohol and so is sleep.

Give it time while your body gets used to itself without alcohol.
Meanwhile...
I'm a big fan of Melatonin, especially if I have to get up early. I don't work every day, but when I do have to go in, my starting time can vary by as much as an hour and a half. Just make sure you have 7-8 hours for sleeping. It's not something I'd take after tossing and turning for 3 hours, and have to get up in another 3 three hours.