Thanks for that Maranara, I didn't quite think of it like that, but you're exactly right: there's arousal/relaxation, and there's thoughts. Sleeping pills, be it benzo's, antihistamines, z-drugs or off-label use antipsychotics and what not, they always knock you out so both arousal and thoughts are taken care of.

Since I'm off Seroquel I've picked up my habit of listening to an audiobook on my mp3 player to focus my thoughts. I cut time to sleep by at least an hour that way. However, I found I needed something extra, especially since Seroquel had messed up my sleep so much.

So I take indeed valerian. It's very subtle and doesn't work at all like a sleeping pill, that simply knocks you out. (Even at the dose I take, a full gram 2 hours before bed and 500mg when in bed). You just get more relaxed and need to do part of the work yourself: the thoughts.

I buy mine online in powder and put it in capsules myself, that way you don't have to spend too much money, so you can take a decent dose...