I sometimes take melatonin, which seems to help. Otherwise, half a Xanax, or half of a prescription sleeping pill will do the trick for me.

I've taken Benadryl with some success if you take it a few hours before you want to fall asleep. Also limiting the coffee during the day.

I still struggle with sleeping a lot regardless also.

Reading before bed, meditating, getting myself into a calm spot where I'm not thinking of the dramas or of him or of any of my problems. For reading, I like something light and easy, so if my problems and thoughts start to intrude, my head starts doing that whirling thing ... I focus on an aspect of the story I've been reading, so that my brain slows down.

Sometimes I take some herbal sleep remedies, but I have a baby so I don't like to take anything that will actually knock me out.

Also limiting coffee has helped I think. Exercise also helps, so that you are physically as well as mentally tired.

SO MANY THINGS! Sometimes a simple sleep aid (non-habit forming) can help you relax and sleep. My sister takes melatonin and it works well for her. Plus, she claims to have lucid dreams using melatonin so it might be cool. I'm considering it myself. I have been prescribed different things such as lunesta and trazadone. Lunesta will help you fall asleep in a bit and you'll wake up not all too drowsy, while trazadone will knock you out and you might drag the next day. I find exercising at least once during the day helps with falling asleep later (probably from exhaustion) . One of my all time favorites is simply to listen to soothing/relaxing music. For example, Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (it doesn't need to be zen or anything)

Sleep...what is that again? I havent slept in so long i look like a walking zombie and i have a constant headache. When sleep does overtake my mind though, i only get a few hours before the nightmares kick in, but im working on it. Hugs to all.

Maybe you should ask your doctor on what he can maybe give you to help you sleep. But other than drugs there are ways you need to build up a relaxing routine that gets your body ready for bed.

Heres a good trick. Inhale to four. Hold your breath to seven. Exhale to eight. Do it right now. It is a really wonderful way of relaxing.
When I cant sleep, I do this three or four times. It really helps me. It is a breathing exercise that I learned in treatment for grief.

Funny I'm sitting here half asleep in the afternoon now having not slept well.I spray the pillows with lavender spray and sometimes put a lavender roll on aid on my pulse points.Doesn't always work.I have found normal Nytol to work well but it says don't use for more than 2 weeks so I don't.The doctor wanted me to take sleeping tablets,I haven't so far.I go to the hospital later this month.Some herbal sleep aids say not to take with anti depressants.I don't know what other one's work.Is melatonin addictive?

camomile tea, meditation, praying to GOd (sorry God...but I always nod of half way through a thanksgiving)...sometimes though none of this works and i just pace the house feeling angry....

I am not sure if you meant that to be funny blackdog999 but this post made me laugh... thanks for all your ideas, I think a lot of us struggle with not being able to sleep. I have tried melatonin but it doesnt work for me and everything else (med wise) I always feel tried when I wake up...

I take a xanax every night. It is used to treat anxiety, a tranquelizer and it helps me sleep all night and controls my anxiety.

hello...no i wasn't trying to be funny I really do fall asleep most nights halfway through giving thanks to God...poor old God...maybe he puts me to sleep to shut me up..I do go on abit even in prayer!! he he I can see why my post would make you chuckle mind you...

p.s get the high grade camomile not the rubbish stuff you get in tea bags in supermarkets...it should look like dried flowers.

best of luck for your next kip
xx

I take a hot shower or exercise b4 I head to bed, these simple things help me.

I also have trouble sleeping. When I do sleep for some reason I always dream of him. Sometimes I take medication, but most of the time I try to wake up early so I'll be tired enough to sleep at night.