Melatonin, Serotonin, and Tryptophan... Check out the info on line. Tryptophan is easy enough to get in turkey and milk. Melatonin is created by your brain when sitting in the dark (this is why people. Who get snowed in on a regular basis deal w/ depression. They feel tired and worn down after spending a great deal of time indoors away from sunlight.)

The human body creates Serotonin in reaction to tryptophan. As I said before, it CAN cause depression. Melatonin is not known so much for causing depression, as it is know for having a calming effect. I recommend Melatonin, if you're going to "self diagnose." If you're working w/ a doctor, they might be able to help you get on the right dosage of either one.

Hope this helped.

There's a great relaxation technique I use to relax and fall asleep at night, it might work for you, this was introduced to me by a counselor I used to see for anxiety.

Start with your feet and tighten/flex the muscles until they start to shake slightly (2-5 seconds usually), and then release. Do the same with your calves, thighs, butt, abs, arms, back, and finally your face (scrunch up tightly for a few seconds and then relase).
You can repeat this whole process a few times, but usually one or two will get me to the point of sleep.
This always does wonders for me and gets me really sleepy after only a few rounds of it!

Good luck! :)

I had this problem myself not too long ago...

I have found that the root cause of my problem was probably not getting enough sunlight. Try to get 2 hours of sunlight, preferably early when you wake up. Go outside, or put full-spectrum light bulbs in your room. Try to shine as much of this healthy light or sunlight on you in the morning --- it will emit serotonin; which is needed so that at night time it gets converted to melatonin, which is the powerful antioxidant emitted by the pituitary gland that helps you fall asleep.

Stores/online sell melatonin supplements. Natural source is best. You could try one of these to help, but it is not good for long-term use. Try to correct the problem instead of taking supplements or pills.

ElectroMagnetic Fields are a big factor too. I've heard of people turning off their circuit breaker in the house, and their bodies are less stressed and can go to sleep. EMF is an overlooked issue, I would try it. Also, move alarm clock or other appliances like cell phones away from you. Cell Phone use within the last 2 hrs before sleep can cause insomnia because the electromagnetic frequencies will disrupt the pituitary and you won't make any melatonin. --- I have a website educating people about EMF and its effects and how to be proactive - EMF411.com :: Informing the public about the dangers of EMF Radiation

Other factors - hormone imbalance - which you could correct the mineral deficiency in your body so you'll produce correct hormones.

Also, resolve emotional issues. I use the Emotion Code healing method by Dr Bradley Nelson, and/or Emotional Freedom Techniques by Dr Gary Craig - You can Download a free manual here

Also consider: Bad food/evaluate diet, or toxins in your body, toxic overload - parasites, poisons emitted more at night and can keep you up, also check for structural imbalances.

It's can be a combination of things, but also can be more one thing being the largest factor.

Correct hormone imbalances with minerals; www.gratitudehealing.info

I agree with gritsonadmission, holisticdr and 'winding down'

Homoeopathy can indeed cure insomnia. I'm not going to start debating about how a substance diluted beyond avagadros constant can be effective since that's not what this thread is about and that's an old chestnut.

I would point out that homoepathy and herbalism are two completely different disciplines for anyone who is confused. Homoeopathic remedies can be potentised from many substances not just those from the plant kingdom.

I would strongly advise you not to just try any homoeopathic remedies that are supposedly good for insomnia. You need to see a practitioner who will prescribe for you to match your symptoms and possibly constitution exactly.

Sorry I can't recommend a specific practitioner to you as I live in the UK. The RSH provides details of homoepaths throughout the country here. The best I know of in the USA is NASH but I'm not sure the coverage is as good there.
Here's the link in case they can help.

North American Society of Homeopaths

In terms of herbalism not homoepathy:
Herbs such as wild lettuce, valerian, passiflora, and hops can help in the short term.

I would also endorse the reccomendation for EFT or indeed acupuncture. EFT is basically acupuncture without the needles.

I would note though that it is not recommended that you use EFT or acupunture at the same time as homoeopathy.

Reflexolgy or massage are other options. Also indian head massage.

Finally, osteopathy or sacro-cranial therapy can also be very beneficial to sleep problems.

Gaba or γ-Aminobutyric acid, it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. So what it does is slow down you thinking. You can get it at health food stores and sometimes at body building stores. Look it up on Google or read about it in wikipedia. I take it and it really helps me get to sleep, especially when I can't quit thinking.

There are many causes of insomnia however stress, anxiety and depression are the main ones. If you are not taking anything for it at the moment then I would suggest a herbal formula for sleep, there are many different brands but most of them help calm the nerves and relax the mind and body making it ready for sleep. I suggest you go for herbs such as passionflower, hops, lemonbalm, ziziphus, but I don't often recommend valerian as it works for some but not for others and can give undesired effects such as nightmares. Try for at least a week each night and if you don't get results then you could try taking a suppliment of calcium and magnesium before bed as these minerals also help with sleep and stress. Avoid any stimulants in the evening such as the obvious coffee, tea, chocolate, but also any refined sugars. Hope this helps:)

Take a few drops of oil (sesame/mustard) & massage your soles just before u go to bed. Heat the oil (lukewarm) for even better results. It works wonders! Have a GOOD SLEEP!!

If your really tried it all, you ever have Mercola's Sleep suport? I think it is what you exactly need.