Best thing I found was CBT sleep training methods. I have tried various medications and supplements. But found nothing works better long term than maintaining a common sense sleep supportive lifestyle, which is what CBT methods do.

What I liked was the methods go directly to the true root of the problem, not the symptom. Sleeping pills and the like only treat the symptom, leaving the true underlying root unaddressed. That can lead to dependency and worse. CBT methods on the other hand are permanent, non-drug, and help most people who try them.

Thanks Hypnos07. I am definitely going to try CBT whether my doctor is willing to refer me in person or if I have to do CBT online. Unfortunately the pills don't even mask in my case - they're mostly ineffective with only the benzos giving me 4 hours of unconciousness (but not restful sleep). Other meds such as Trazodone and Amitryptyline have not done anything yet.

I have found the CBT sleep training methods most helpful as well. I took an online sleep training course offered through my health insurance company and my sleep improved greatly withing 2 weeks of just making small changes each day. I did things like keep a set bed time and wake time, turn off all screens an hour before bed, etc...It made a huge difference! That was probably 2 years ago and I sleep well for the most part now. Every now and again I have a small set back, but my sleep is so much improved. For me meds worked for a short time but the effects would always wear off shortly.

The other thing that has helped me significantly is addressing all my underlying health problems, both physical and mental.

I know how you feel after a about a week of sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night I feel like getting a good buzz tonight to pass out cold

Toad, I'd give my left arm for 3-4 hours per night. My perception is that I get 0 hours per night, almost every night. I have no clue how I'm alive and only assume it's because I'm somehow getting more sleep than I think I am. Or else I'd be dead.

Moby I know EXACTLY how you feel. I have many many nights of zero sleep and have been desperate for anything to knock me out. I've struggled for 14 years on and off with chronic insomnia. I've taken Ambien which eventually stopped working then was prescribed a benzo for 4 1/2 years which worked but then I hit tolerance a year ago and it too stopped working. I also developed an addiction to the benzo which caused horrific withdrawal symptoms. I've been struggling for over a year to taper off the meds and find something to help me sleep my own again and am now beginning CBT. It's not a quick fix at all but I'm hopeful it will address the main cause of the insomnia. I'm encouraged by reading other posts about CBT working for them. The only advice I can give anyone at this point is that meds are only a short term solution and can cause more damage in the long run which I've fully experienced.

@beached1: What are the benzo withdrawal symptoms like?

@Moby85: have you tried medical marijuana? I think certain strains are better than others for insomnia. I personally don't want to try it.

@demo7878 Benzo withdrawal is different for everyone depending on dosage and length of time spent on the meds. For me it was pretty awful bc I went cold turkey and had no clue I was actually in withdrawal. Symptoms included extreme anxiety, worsened insomnia, panic attacks, racing heart, high blood pressure, chest pains, nausea, weight loss, jitters, adrenaline surges, brain "zaps", muscle spasms, and overall disconnected feeling. After being reinstated to stop the withdrawal I immediately began slowly tapering off that awful medication! If I can give anyone any advice it's DO NOT take benzos!! They're dangerous and doctors don't know or care how awful it is to stop taking them.
CBT has helped me begin to fall asleep on my own and change my overall thoughts about sleep. I wish I had known about this therapy years ago!

Getting drunk sounds good, tonight I'm gonna drink a six pack and then pass out even if it's only a few hours I just want to sleep

Sleep sounds. App called relax melodies is great. i listen to white noise or urban rain and you can customize. 5-htp supplement helps also. Snacking on something carb heavy also puts me to sleep and having tv playing on my tablet helps me also. it helps me focus my mind off my problems

I was on ambien for along time, up to 10 even 12 mg and it stopped working. Ive been on 1000 meds and the only thing that helped me pass out all nite was seroquel, a very high dose...i dont remember exact dose. I was so tired the next day though. It was awesome, the sleep.
Marijiana helped me sleep the best of all. No side effects, no hangover. Not legal here.
Trazodone made me sick, yet was pushed up and up. Never again.
Ive been the good little scout and done all the healthy sleep habits. Exercise, cut out caffeine, good diet, stuck to a schedule, meds same time, cooler room, white noise, dark enviornment, meditation, breathing, ASMR, keep updated on thyroid check, and had 2 sleep studies done. Notta....
On low dose of seroquel now with atavan. I wake up a lot, am restless, then wake up for good between 5-7. Cant nap during day.
If you find anything thats good for you let me know!!

Hey Fl304, I posted about it elsewhere but Amitriptyline has been a life-saver for me and based off other insomnia groups I'm part of, it works for severe insomniacs when nothing else does.

Marijuana is the only thing that worked for me so far, last night I had 3 good puffs before bed and slept 9 hours. That felt awesome seeing the past month I've been getting no more than 3-5 hours max. Plus marijuana is natural and non addictive