I don't go to those crowed places either. When I shop it's usually late right before a store closes, less people.
Your friend must be a pretty tough woman. Maybe she can find something out from others to rent or buy. Maybe you could help her look and let her know if you find something she may like. It's time consuming finding the right house.
I have sleep issues also, always thought it was because Dad threatened to kill mom and I in our sleep. Then in the Air Force a guy broke into my room while I was sleeping and he laid on the floor beside my bed. He reached up and touched me and I sat up in the bed. Then I saw a shadow beside my bed and reached down and touched his skin, he didn't have a shirt on When I touched him he sat up and I smelled alcohol. I asked if I knew him and several other questions and he kept saying I don't know. When I reached on the side table for my flashlight he bolted out the door and I didn't get a good look at his face. I think it was a Fireman in my dorm but not 100% sure. So needless to say that caused sleep problems and I can not sleep in a completely dark room.
Also have sleep apnea. So I sleep about a hour at a time. I so envy people that can sleep through the night and dream.