Do you have any meds to help? I also use my sketchbook to wind down. Muji uses meltonin, which is natural to the human system. Like a tryptophan dosage. My brain doesn't like to shut down, so even the rhythmic (belly) breathing and some warm milk really do help. The belly breathing is the way we breath when we sleep, so it kinda tricks the mind.
I am running on tired now, but it is only the third day. Tomorrow will be like I took uppers if I don't sleep tonight. Definitely a Gertie day. It happens when my meds get off schedule, which the classes have done.
Write down three things you got done today...anything no matter how small, then three things for tomorrow (manageable) So your mind has a pat on the back and a plan. These help release tension in the brain.
I also some times go through a muscle tighten and relax routine, that helps a lot to release pent up muscle tension. You can have it and not know how much you are tensed up , until you do the releases.

This one is the guided muscle relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZI-4udE_o

It should come witha warning not to operate heavy machenery afterwards...but it helps.

I got a million of them.....

When our bodies are off, I think it is more difficult for us. Try some deep breathing. Try watching some TV for 20 minutes and then going to lay down. If you cannot sleep they say don't toss and turn, get up stay up for 20 minutes and try again. I hope it works.

my girl suffered horrific insomnia, it's horrible. She was so tired but stress kept her awake for sometimes days. Since she passed iv'e had a small taste of what no sleep is like. . . it's f****d
I hope sleep comes to you soon :)

Thanks for the wisdom everyone. jewells1, I really like your idea of writing down 3 things I accomplished that day and planning 3 things I could do the next day. Gives me some structure and a sense of accomplishment. Thank you! I also appreciate the idea of getting out of bed when I cannot sleep and stay up for 20minutes. Thanks CrazyCanuk!

Being physically depleted lets my PTSD pop out more, too. Really sorry you have the same thing, because it makes being sick even more miserable.

I cant take psych meds any more because of having permanent kidney damage now, so I have to grit my teeth about it. But if that werent the case, at least temporarily, Id follow Jewells advice about resorting to psych meds to help until the infections cured.

Barring that, I do those breathing exercises she mentions, and I sometimes go all out, light some incense and go for full-on meditation. Im not a Buddhist, just a run of the mill Christian, but since psych meds are out for me I figure Im allowed. The meditation helps.

No fun when youre already tired and the flashbacks wear you out. I had an infection the first week of 2014, and went through it. Get well soon.