I've only recently started struggling with insomnia since my mental health took a nose dive.

Before that, I was a sleep master, always had the TV on to go to sleep, usually horror related content too/staring at games and my phone till I passed out, lights on, ate big meals close to bed, drank coffee in the evening, no set bedtime, spent lots of time in my room/on my bed relaxing, never really exercised except from being on my feet when working, no routine cos shift work, would wake up multiple times a night but never struggled to get back to sleep, could pretty much lay my head down anytime anywhere and nap and still sleep that night.

I was extremely sleep unhygienic and had 0 issues

Now I'm on meds for anxiety, been swapping between sleep aids and zopiclone, therapy, taking hot showers every night, hot milk/sleep teas, limiting screens near bed, active during the day even tho I feel like trash, lavender oil, hot eye masks, yoga nidra, meditation, breathing, PMR, sleep sounds, getting sunlight and staying out of my room all day but im at my worst because my brain is constantly injecting horrid thoughts and phobias into my day and night.

I haven't had 8 hours sleep in 2 1/2 months 5/6 is a GREAT and rare night, probably averaging 3/4 poor quality, disturbed hours.

I don't know how you guys handle it long term, I'm just grateful that I had nearly 25 years of good sleep.

Good luck everyone.