Thinking will definitely keep you up. Yes, I have to take Over The Counter sleep aids, can't get any rest without them. I have tried different ones before finding one that better suits me, so you may have to do the same.

I also have made a habit of reading cute / innocent story books in bed. For me I like stories about people's pets, but really you can chose anything you like. Just make sure it's not too action packed, stressful or too exciting that you are kept awake. It helps take my mind off of anything that may be bothering me about the day or what may come the next day and just go to a neverland... and every night I doze off trying to concentrate on the book lol. It's not a cure, some nights I just toss and turn. But without one of the books, I notice I just lay awake for half the night.

THis is what works for me, so I hope you can find something that helps you.

Hi, sorry to hear you're going through this. But first thing might be to get a better handle on the reality of sleep and yourself, starting with this: "why can't I fall asleep"?

Really, you can't fall asleep? I'm sure you know that's not really true. In actuality, you can. You know that of course. You no doubt sleep at least some every night, but probably give yourself nearly zero credit for whatever actual shuteye you do get, and only focus on what you don't get. That's part of the problem right there.

Sleep in reality is as necessary, natural, and important as breathing. I'm sure you know that at some level. What you probably mean is you aren't sleeping as well as you'd like, but that is a seriously important distinction to make.

What can you do? Continue working your plan. Be determined to control your thoughts, and use every trick in the book you can find to help yourself. This doesn't mean drugs! You don't need drugs unless you have a legitimate psychiatric disorder like depression or GAD or similar. If that's the case, work with your doc. But if not, and you have "normal" stress and anxiety, you can control this!

The better you get at controlling these incessant negative thoughts that are fueling your insomnia, the better you will sleep.

And you are right about sleeping pills. They are only treating the symptom, not the true root of the problem.

Blue sky

You take sleeping pills every night? Do you switch them up so you build tolerance? Honestly I need to try reading a book but idk what. Ima look for a good one. Maybe those Harry potter nooks haha

Hypnosis

Yes your right. I do fall asleep but I'm not getting enough sleep to feel recovered :( my head hurts Alot right now. I'm not sure if I'm actually depressed but if i was depressed it would be about not sleeping and looking tired. I dont even feel like going out because of how shittt I feel and look.

Read the effortless sleep method and get a sleep study. I thought I just had lifelong insomnia. Turns out I have central AND Obstructive sleep apnea. Insomnia comes with central sleep apnea.

Derek7, Jeanine is right on the money here. You could have a serious breathing disorder that is associated with your sleep and there is no way you would know about this unless you get tested for it. Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects over 20 million Americans and over 75% are un-diagnosed or un-treated. My suggestion as a healthcare professional is speak to your doctor or a sleep specialist and get tested, it could change your life. www.somnosvc.com