salminex
References :

I think just plain Benadryl works better than the PM in tylenol and advil. You can take 2 safely. (my husband is a paramedic and I a medical proffesional). Try that, you will also not wake up sleepy. There is also Soma and Lunesta, but they are RX only.
References :
Paramedic

Hi Andi!

No eating before bedtime.
No caffeine after noon.
No music, noise of any kind, or lights, in the bedroom.
DON’T THINK! Keep your mind blank. Look at the dark inside of your eyes. Notice the little lights that pop on and off.
Go to bed about the same time each night.
Melatonin might help keep you asleep. Its a natural substance over the counter. Can’t hurt.

This will work. Most important is to keep your mind absolutely blank, and your eyes closed. Just give it a few minutes. That’s all it takes.
References :

You can go the herbal rout first and then go for the over the counter addictive stuff as a last resourt before getting the uberaddictive prescription stuff.

There are lots of herbal extracts that help to relax you and help induce sleep. They come individually, in mixtures or in teas. Some of them are valarian root extract, melatoin, passion flower, catnip, chamomile, etc. You can find some of them in the vitamin section of any grocery store, and others you can only find in natrual health food stores.

I will include some information about insomnia with other tips and tricks you can try.
References :
http://www.mercola.com/article/sleep.htm

there are very few choices when it comes to otc sleep aids, as most of them have one of two drugs in them to cause drowsiness.

the first is Diphenhydramine, which is found in things like TYLENOL PM, Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal, Compoz. This drug is simply benadryl, an antihistamine.

the second is Doxylamine, which is found in things like Unisom, Nighttime Sleep Aid. this drug is also used in conjunction with other medications to treat the symptoms of the common cold, sinus problems, and other illnesses as determined by a doctor.

if you had no luck with the tylenol pm, perhaps a medication such as the ones above with doxylamine in them would be more effective.

however, if you need a sleep aid for more than 2 weeks, or another otc medication that you try is ineffective, contact your doctor for assistance.
References :
nurse

Can try Valerian in the nutritional supplement section at Walmart or other grocery.

So keep in mind however that it takes a few weeks to take effect, so might need to take Melatonin 3 mg at bedtime. Melatonin works about every other night and does have that window of opportunity that if you miss it, you’re sunk.

Suspect you would do well to examine what it is you’re thinking about when you say ‘you can’t turn your mind off’.

Can try reading something peaceful and pleasant, which will channel your thoughts and ’shut them off’.

If you are afraid this is going to happen, you’ve set the problem in motion. So can try thinking absolutely positive all day about your nightly sleeping experience. "I have nothing to fear because I KNOW I am going to sleep tonight". And do relax once you get into bed. For me, physical tenseness just creates a never ending insomnia session.
References :
RN (for real)