What are your tips for dealing with insomnia?

I suffer from acute insomnia and have tried every medication on the market as well as herbal and over the counter supplements. I have gotten to the point where I just deal with it and make the most of my "up time". For most people, that isn't acceptable because they have to get up and go to work. I have been blessed that I can make my own schedule so if I can't sleep, I get online or clean / do laundry / cook etc. The docs will tell you to cut out caffeine, watch what you eat etc but that is a small factor. Exercise can help but not when it's too close to the time you want to go to bed. Try some herbal tea or Valerian Root extract to see if that will help. Sleepy Time Tea is also a nice product to try if you haven't given it a spin yet.

Don't watch TV hours before you sleep. try reading a book instead or induldge yourself in silence or relax before you sleep.

A short 15-20 minute walk about 10-30 minutes after dinner helps me. Otherwise I count numbers and before I reach three figures, I start dozing off. The other thing that you could do is a mental chant, could be anything that would not stimulate the senses, maybe even something religious like mentally repeating 'Hail Mary' or 'Allah-o-Akbar' or anything that is from your own religion of sect. I generally am asleep before I reach fifty chants. Try it, maybe it 'll work for you too?

I have trouble falling asleep like you but I also have trouble staying asleep. Sucks! The long list of tips below never worked for me! Especially trying to go to bed and wake up at the same time.. this actually made things much worse for me. I found that if I feel like I can take a nap I need to take it and get sleep where I can. I have other family with insomnia and they have found the same thing. Is your insomnia all the time/recurrent or is it usually only event related? you might want to try a medicine like Ambien. I took that years ago before the new version came out so if your ins doesn't cover the new kind just get the old kind. Since you don't have trouble staying asleep then it won't matter which one you have. I tell ya, when Ambien worked for me it was the best sleep I have ever had in my entire life, I mean it.I didn't ever sleep that well and actually wake up feeling refreshed even as a kid. I know people say not to leave the TV on and stuff too but I have found that if I keep it on then I am able to fall asleep faster (just be careful what station you have it on.. infomercials and stuff will wake me up). The TV helps quiet my mind. Sadly, there is no cookie cutter answer here. It's a trial and error thing. I wish you luck!

I recently started listening to meditation podcasts. I'm now falling asleep faster and sleep for 6 - 8 hours. Definite improvement! A few drops of lavender oil sprinkled on your pillow helps also.