Getting sleep was a problem from the beginning for me and continued through the decades! So this is something I'm really emphathizing over with you, gma. An herbalist friend introduced me to the Bach formulations, which are floral essences. The main commercial line are alcohol-based, but with effort can be obtained online from their home in Germany in a non-alcohol formulary. Their product Rescue Remedy is just what it sounds like--an answer for when you're at your wit's end. When I've gone 3 or 4 nights with little or no sleep, I'll use a few drops of this and can count on a good night's rest.

It doesn't knock me out, and I'm not drugged the next day. I can use it two nights in a row, but the third night it doesn't work. Like everything else, its effect differs for everyone. My best friend is knocked out for 24-hrs by a single drop, but she's very drug-sensitive. For others it doesn't do a thing. http://www.bachflower.com/