I have been a poor sleeper all my life but now I am retired life is easier.
For a few years I have taken sleeping pills but I wake up with a hangover and find I am better off without them. I don't think that alcohol is a good idea as like sleeping pills you will need more and more to sleep.
I got a sleep book(sorry the title escapes me right now) and there are many good suggestions such as deep breathing, reading until you fall asleep etc.
I have been off sleeping pills for several months now and if I am tired I may nap in the afternoon. As mentioned above work issues can interfere with sleep.
Getting exercise(walking , running etc) in the early evening can help. I have restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea according to a sleep study.
A sleep study clinic can help to diagnose what sleep problems you have, how much sleep you are actually getting etc. Well worth it even if you do it once. I believe melatonin gave me hangovers as well. Hope this helps!
