Gads. I will be checking back in here for the best suggestions. I'm reduced to taking herbs at the moment. I count backwards from 100 (have to restart if I screw up), count sheep (really), relax everything toe by toe and up from there. What's also worked somewhat lately is telling myself I will sleep deeply, soundly and will wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. I do it when I go to bed and then every time I wake up during the night. :-[]

I keep reading that lavender is supposed to be good for inducing sleep. It smells so wonderful that it would be worth it to give it a try.

Lavender is good. I keep a diffuser I got from Origins by the bed. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I take a whiff and begin to get drowsy again. My only problem with dried lavender pillows is the dust scent of it breaking down, it irritates my allergies. Hot baths work too, before bed, as they relax me. Lavender in a hot bath...that's a good one. So is telling yourself that your sleep will be peaceful and sound. I read that in a Richard Bach book, I think. I will try the sandalwood, I can see where that would work. I imagine anything you associate with comfort and safety might do the trick as well.

I have found a cedar/sage incense mixture I enjoy tremendously . . . naturally, I'm out, and can't remember the brand. Deep breathing exercises usually relax and put me out.

Just stay up till your eyes won't stay open any longer. That does the trick for me if I'm not sleepy! ;-)