4 things:

1. an antihistamine called Zyxal (a concentrated form of Zyprea, an over-the-counter antihistamine) prescribed by a doctor. (high histamine levels can build in a bipolar person.)

2. I recommend you have a sleep apnea test done. You're at the age (and any age person might have it, but it's logical to assume that a 66-year old might be needing it). That will determine if you are missing during the night the very important REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep that actually charges our "battery". If you feel you need naps in the afternoon or do not have a restful night of sleep, those are clues that you may need to see a lung specialist and undergo sleep apnea testing. (It's covered by Medicare, as well as the equipment for use at night.)

3. Sometimes insomnia at our age (and you're a good bit younger than I) can
be caused by acid buildup in the tissues and fluids. Squeezing 2 lemons into 8 oz of water and drinking it can relax you and enable you to fall asleep and rest soundly. Too, it's natural for the pineal gland that manufactures melatonin to calcify as one ages, so you may not be getting sufficient melatonin production for bedtime, especially if you sit and watch tv (bright lights reduce melatonin production) right up until bedtime. You may wish to cut off tv a couple of hours before going to bed.

If you read when you get in bed, do so with a soft light, please, to reduce glare.

4. Clonazepam (or Klonopin) is helpful, .5 mg or greater is enough to induce sleep at our ages, but be careful; Clonazepam can be addictive, so you want to limit the number of times you rely on that in any given week. (Must be prescribed by physician.)

Sleep well!