First off, I hope you don't ever have to be hospitalized again, I only have ever done it as a last resort, and hate it so much. It's not like you get any real help there.

Ativan acts quick and if that works for you I'm glad, but having been on 4 benzos and benzo dependent for 6 years and I don't recommend long term use. Other sleeping pills have horrible side effects and can really ruin your day. I was told only to add benadryl or dramamine by two of my old psychiatrists if I couldn't sleep at all with my medication at the time. They both also said that it would only work for up to about 3 days in a row and is not a permanent solution. But trying to keep out of the hospital is important, but warm milk and chamolie tea, can help calm you down enough to sleep and intensify the ativan's effect. Sleepy time tea I try not to use to often other wise it doesn't work, and now at Walmart they even have sleepy time tea with a little valerian root which helps me sometimes when my mind won't stop racing. Of course ask your doctor. I use to take valerian root from a health food store for a little while in pill form with little result, but anything to take the edge off sometimes.

As you've been told sleep is the most important thing in Bipolar. My first psychiatrist said he considers bipolar a sleeping disorder and that many symptoms will arise from lack of good sleep alone.

Kudos to your husband and good luck.