there was a big to do a little while back when a meta-analysis showed an increased risk of death from all sorts of causes (including cancer) in those who used sleeping pills. scary...

having said that, if you can't sleep and its making you have problems, that should be addressed. ive had better luck with female shrinks than male shrinks. male shrinks seem to give controlled substances to rich people and/or the ladies. female shrinks aren't as rough on their patients and they give better pills ((personal opinion)).

doxepin, trazadone, seroquel, low dose thorazine, hydroxyzine, gabapentin, I think docs in some countries use promethazine for sleep...

you have options. i think you just need a new doctor, honestly.