What should I do if I have to take more sleep medication to fall asleep?

It is best to come in an speak with our board certified sleep specialist. There are many solutions out there besides sleeping pills.

You have made a significant improvement by substituting sleeping pills for alcohol to induce sleep. It is normal to experience sleeplessness following an event such as the death of your daughter. It is also best that this insomnia be treated rather than being ignored. FDA approved sleeping pills are those which have been studied in clinical trials for safety. They are designed to be out of your system by the next morning (although some persons metabolize medications more slowly than others). Over the counter agents often leave you with a hangover and adversely affect sleep stages. Combining sleeping pills with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may allow for the eventual discontinuation of the sleeping pills. CBT is a combination of relaxation and imaging techniques and biofeedback. Therapists are trained in CBT.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to loose a daughter. I am so sorry of your loss. Grieving is a long process and grief/depression can cause insomnia. I would make an appointment with your primary care doctor OR find someone you can talk to in an attempt to find the root cause of your insomnia- a sleep doctor or psychiatrist.. It may be that a sedating antidepressant would help.