You can be too tired to sleep.

Dunno the science of it, but dehydration also does not help.
Drink water or weak tea, you'll perk up, then you'll sleep better

Another vote for red wine.

JenniferD,
Yes, it's natural. As far as I know, it's not herbal, not homeopathy, but plant therapy - "Phytotherapy."

One of the main ingredients in Redormin (another phytotherapy aid) is valerian.

I have used both Redormin and Sommeil forte as I don't like hard drugs.

I am a person who cannot have a coffee later than 4pm. That's just how it is. Some say do not drink orange juice or eat fruit at night either - it can also be stimulating.

I liked your tips, Dee!!!!!!

Whatever you do don't end up taking Stilnox. You'll end up doing things in your sleep, like ringing friends or painting your front door, and not recall a damn thing the next day.

Join the club :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGW9L9gSNuU

actually, I was on these when I first came...b/c moving across the world and leaving my family/friends/life REALLY added to an already bad problem.
and these things are STRONG.
I had a wee chuckle at your post b/c my husband would tell me the next day things I said/did and had NO recollection of at all.

I haven't touched them in awhile now, they were too intense. I'd rather not sleep than walk around in a dizzy daze.

Don't exercise at home then immediately go to bed. Do some exercise, wear yourself out, then go have a shower or something so you aren't still full of adrenalin.

I had huge sleeping problems middle of last year. It was entirely caused by stress and overwork ... I was working up until the moment I went to bed (had to thanks to my moronic lecturers) and then I couldn't sleep. It drove me crazy. The moment the work ended, the sleep returned. The funny thing is I didn't feel stressed. Just over-worked.

You might want to see a doctor or psychologist, if the problem really is long term. Also check that you aren't feeling constantly snowed under with work, or unhappy with some aspect of your personal life.

I learned very good sleeping "techniques" from a Chinese Qigong master when I was young, and it does help till now, it's a bit complex to teach by writing a thread, anyway, try this:

1)Lie down in your bed, with two palms slightly open, on the two sides, not too far away from the body, two legs straight but relax, then
2) Imagine your whole body is transparent, then start to breathe (well, you breath anyway)
3) When you inhale, "imagine" that your transparent body is getting energy from the external universe, and when you exhale, think about all the negative energy (trouble, homework, sicknees, whatever...) is SHOOTing out from your body to the end of the sky.

After doing this for a while, you will either have too much energy to sleep or you will sleep like a baby, well, it might take some time to train yourself but I've been doing this for more than 10 years and it really works.

Good luck!

If it worked for me lying on my back, SWMBO would punch me immediately to stop me snoring...

Stilnox were a life saver for me... whenever Ive gone too many nights without a good sleep I pop one and sink into bliss, yes they are strong and they hit you fast so I tend to fall asleep book in hand and booklight on but they are great pills... I bought a stock of packets with me to see me through a long time here... Alodorm (nitrazepam) are also fantastic and I have never become addicted, if you make sure you only take them when youre really desperate. Until last year I wouldnt take sleeping pills and suffered years of tiredness since taking them (in moderation) I have got into a great sleeping habit and now very rarely need them.

Thanks for all your advice. It looks like I only need 4 or 5 hrs sleep at night (less as I get older). What I have found is if I have a few drinks before going to bed it helps a lot but I guess that is a slippery slope probably worse than not sleeping...... Anyway once again cheers for all the comments.

May I say, how impressed I am by the thoughtfulness of the Forum members in advising those unfortunates, who are unable to sleep, myself included.

I have just moved to Zurich to take up a demanding, new (for me) job, and I find my mind is still turning over at a 100 mph (or should that be 160kph?), even as the head touches the pillow. In part, I think it is due to the combination of things: new country, new job, separated from family temporarily, etc.

I am exercising (swimming) fairly regularly, and that helps. And, the odd (1, 3, 5, ... ) glass of red wine is helpful.

When I wake regularly at 3/4AM, well, I turn on the light and read a book. Yeah, I know I should get up, but I am more comfortable reading in bed. So, for you insomniacs, here's a book recommendation "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. This is a truly wonderful book, that reveals the beauty and complexity of Afgani life, and the vagaries of kinship and friendship. Highly recommended, but will not necessarily make you sleep.

The following technique is quite reminiscent of parts of the Alexander Technique ... may even try it tonight.

Schlaft gut!