Hi Edda, I don't like taking sleeping pills either ... and also know that when I don't get much sleep it makes things that much harder to deal with and can set off the rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts even more. Once you are asleep; do you know what is waking you up? as in, is it nightmares waking you; pain waking you; or you aren't sure?

you could also look at things like what are you doing before you try to sleep - are you relaxing or doing something that is winding your mind up more
sometimes I need to read before I can fall asleep but I know for others that can contribute to insomnia

some other suggestions I've had given to me before are things like not eating several hours before trying to sleep; exercising during the day (although not too close to when you want to sleep); drinking particular teas (you might need to check out your local shops for what is available there) that are supposedly calming but not as strong as a sleeping pill

another thing for right now could be to see if you can try sleeping in the day; just to see if you can break the current pattern although that might upset any kind of schedule (then again, right now you need the sleep more than a schedule perhaps!)

hopefully other members have some other suggestions and between all of it you can get some much needed sleep