I like the Pilatus approach so even if you go the drug route (which I do) try to incoporate good habits too, for your body to have some consisitencey and health. i also don't eat/drink after 7:30 pm-nothing, nada. This has helped me.

I suffer from PTSD so I know what not being able to fall asleep, and esp stay asleep can do. I tried Ambien CR and I was wired!!!! Can u belive it! Wired I tell you...Wide awake....

So, for a short term after a long imsonia episode I got Xanax. LOVE IT. TOO MUCH> it can be addicting and if taken regularly has different effects than short term, but for periods where I NEED to sleep, I have this on hand. I am also very good about not taking it unless I need to. It also works very quickly, and is good for panic attacks or anxiety, but makes me very tired so I only use it for sleep. It zonks me out and feels great, no hangover--miracle pill. It isn't supposed to be long lasting-meaning help you stay asleep, but it does for me.

Since I can't use it long term (every night as it works better for me for weeks then I taper,then i go back etc), I have temazepam for other nights. It doesn't work as fast but seems to keep me asleep for 7 hours or longer. My doc is big on sleep so he doesn't worry about taking something (unless its xanax as i kept building up a higher tolerance) most nights, or even every night. I'm not a good sleeper so i feel your frustration here. Sleep makes me feel 100X better so if I need a pill to do it, then okie-dokie, no problemo. I'm all for sleep-aids.

I tried some natural stuff, but didn't work at all for me, it's hard to knock me out. Give it a shot though, everybody is different!

Good luck finding the right cocktail.