the best thing to do is stop putting pressure on yourself, think to yourself that if you sleep that's great , but if you don't - you'll still manage and get through.
I am another lifelong insomniac and this is such an important mental tip to take as opposed to physical ones. There is nothing more counter productive to sleep than frettting you aren’t getting it and can’t drop off and are going to be so tired. I always remind myself I may not yet be asleep but i am resting with my eyes closed. That will recharge my mind and body somewhat, and I try to enjoy the feeling of being quiet and dark and horizontal.
At the same time, if you want to get up and do something, do it. If it’s playing on your mind it can help to achieve it. Like someone said fold your washing or change your sheets. If you are hungry have a small snack. That’s a way of showing yourself you aren’t freaking out about being awake but it also takes your mind off it.
It’s easy to feel like the next day will be impossible. It won’t be. Especially if it’s your first night of poor sleep. You probably won’t be as tired as you think - after all you’re at least resting, like I said. It’s not like you’ve been clubbing all night, and a few bad sleeps are manageable - they might even help you get a better one the next night.
A really basic one that sometimes helps is chamomile tea. Honestly it sounds silly but sometimes it can really relax you. It may be placebo but sometimes a well timed chamomile tea before bed almost feels like Valium - without the hangover. I used to take strong sleeping tablets, im not a lightweight. Of course other factors matter but try it out. You might be surprised....
Thanks for the sleep hypnosis videos idea. For some reason I’ve never thought of something like that so am interested to try next time I need to.