Not sleeping and having insomnia are classic signs of depression. I wouldn't advocate self medicating with alcohol, although I know all about sleep deprivation. Perhaps if you go back to your doc they might prescribe some more effective meds?

Try this:

1. Have a cup of warm milk or un-caffinated tea.

2. Make your bed.

3. Now UN-make your bed to get in and get cozy.

4. Find a comfortable position and picture a sunset until you fall asleep.

Usually works for me when it's time for me to catch up on Zz's. :) When you picture settings in your head, it's a form of meditation that can help you tune out everything else that may possibly cause stress to keep you awake.

Wow, you and I are in the same boat! I can sleep like the dead in the daytime when people are near, I think it's the comfort factor. I had to put a TV in my bedroom, and put on a relaxing movie when I try to sleep. I fall asleep much faster when I try to watch a movie! Also, it keeps my mind from racing in its usual fashion.
Just a caution, you really shouldn't mix alcohol and sleeping pills. The results can be deadly. I don't mean to sound like a nag or anything, but I'm worried about your health! I'm with rubyblue, talk to your doc about more effective meds! Try to have a good night!
Love,
Mahadra

If the dr. gave you some meds for sleep and they aren't helping, call him back and tell him. Are you also on antidepressants? Some of the antidepressants can keep you from sleeping too.

The meds are mild antidepressants but he's supposed to be helping me sleep. I didn't really want to use antidepressants and didn't know what he's gave me till I mentioned them on here. I just want to get some sleep. My depression would be easier to cope with if I was getting enough sleep. FFS I just want to SLEEP!

shad, I have insomnia. As your doc for Zopilone, 15 mg a night, they are a litlle addicitve after a long period but so easy to come off, they do not leave you drowsy and work for me. Hope this helps hun. xx

I know hwo you feel hun. Coz my head is so screwy atm i'm too scared to try to sleep coz i just keep thinking and thinking you know?

Half wy through the last day of the week. The human body is an amazing thing. I wouldn't have given myself a chance of getting through today this morning. I recon I've had about 8 hour sleep since Monday. Maybe less because I don't think I actually slept at all last night. I remember glancing at the clock all night and seeing every hour tick by. But today I felt fine. Had a couple of meetings to go to and managed to stay awake ok (because they were my meetings so I had an interest in them). Now I just have to cruse the last few hours and I've made it to another weekend. I'm on a training course all next week down near Lemington Spa. Anyone know of any good watering holes down there :)

drinking may knock you out but you are not sleeping well, when you drink your body hardly gets any proper sleep it does not go into deep sleep,

Maybe you should take the pills still but bring a pillow and blanket out to the couch. If you nod off watching TV so be it. Atleast you got the sleep you needed. I wish you luck shadrock. You have had a tough week.

I've thought about that sleepy. But there's something that clicks in my mind when I make the decision to get some sleep. It's like this little deamon that's waiting for me to turn the light out, knock the TV off and settle down. Then he starts jabbing at my head with lots of nasty little worries and regrets. If I get my hands on him I'll rip him limb from limb :)