Hi freewill, I used to take medication - it didn't prove useful, after my subsequent mental breakdown due to sexual assault I had the most horrific nightmares (sometimes occasionally do even now). But as I'm retired and spend my time exclusively in my home, I suppose I can afford to lose some sleep without it afffecting my next day, too much. However, Freewill, one must sleep period. Nightmares or not. I truly empathise with your dilemma. I personally usually stay up half the night, or wake-up at say 2am having got 3 hours sleep and then read or write for the rest of the night. The worst thing is to "force" oneself to sleep: but that's just my view, I may be wrong. I can only go on my experience. I recognise that sleep, nightmares or not, is absolutely ESSENTIAL. Let us know how you get on, please, freewill.....good luck.