When I went to Alcoholics anonymous, they always said "nobody ever died from lack of sleep" many years later, I don't drink anymore, but my medical insurance won't pay for Xanax or Clonazapan (sleep inducers) because its not a life threatening illness

Try taking melatonin, it's a natural sleep enhancer that's not addictive it's not that expensive and you have a less likelihood of getting addicted to it because it just releases a natural sleep aid your body already produces. I’m fairly young but I take it once and a while traveling (for jet lag) or on nights when I’m not sleeping because of something that happened.

You shouldn't take xanax and clonopin/clorolazaplam or any of the benzos for sleeping. They're more from panic attacks and excessive anxiety. You could buy over the counter sleeping pills from tylonal and tons of brand which work and will get you in the habit of falling asleep easily. If you only want to take medications I suggest an actual sleeping pill like ambien, sonota, or one similar. Ask your doctor if those will be covered under insurance. Good luck.

Jason

Instead of medication try forcing your body into a natural sleep pattern. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. Every day, 7 days a week.
Also avoid exercise, alcohol, spicey foods, etc. for at least 2 hours (3 is better) before retiring. Note that "spicey" foods varies from person to person. Determine by experimenting what effects you.
If your mind is racing try some relaxing music or light reading to calm it down. TV probably isn't the best pre-bed time activity.

Good luck.

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When I went to Alcoholics anonymous, they always said "nobody ever died from lack of sleep" many years later, I don't drink anymore, but my medical insurance won't pay for Xanax or Clonazapan (sleep inducers) because its not a life threatening illness

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I have had problems sleeping for years, so I empathize with you. I have suffered from hypersomnia (sleeping too much) and insomnia (lack of sleep). Neither are healthy. Sleep affects your emotional and physical well-being; it affects your functionality and productivity. Insomnia is also linked to mental illness, especially depression. I have major depressive disorder. Insomnia can be a symptom of a major underlying condition. You should seek advice from a health care professional. My doctor prescribed me Trazodone. It is a cyclic antidepressant that is ancient. It is non-habit forming. It has been a godsend in my life. It is also affordable; a 30 day supply runs around 11 (American) dollars. I have also had success with OTC medicines, such as Tylenol Simply Sleep. Other recommendations for sleep include the following: relaxing ambience at nighttime (e.g. dim lighting, humidifier); establish a consistent sleep cycle 7 days a week; make sleep a priority and avoid the temptation to stay up late; no television within one hour of sleep (too stimulating), warm bath; avoid daytime naps; use bed only for sleep and intimacy (no paperwork); exercise regularly (but not within two hours of bedtime).

Some good foods for inducing sleep (high in tryptophan): milk, bananas, cereal with milk, plain baked potato, tuna, eggs, and "Horlick's Hot Malted Milk."

Bad Foods: caffeine (coffee, black tea, chocolate, many sodas), refined sweets, excessive salt, alcohol, tobacco, MSG, chemical additives that increase heart rate, tyramine-containing (sauerkraut, wine, pork, eggplant, spinach, tomatoes), and overeating.

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Originally Posted by Frenchy_1951

When I went to Alcoholics anonymous, they always said "nobody ever died from lack of sleep" many years later, I don't drink anymore, but my medical insurance won't pay for Xanax or Clonazapan (sleep inducers) because its not a life threatening illness

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I noticed this infomercial whilst reading your post. Maybe it's a happy co-incidence for you. Hope the following link helps.

http://www.sleepreview.com/?s=21&w=101858&p=2&sb=1