I've been an insomniac since age 11. I have found that certain foods can trigger sleep. Complex carbs like whole grain cereals, breads & things like a salad with flax seed or wheat germ (tastes like nuts) can help induce sleep.

You can ask your PCP for a list of foods that might help. I usually try to shut off the t.v. early & read after eating my sleep "snack." You should try to do the snack about two hours before you are going to try to sleep. Make sure there aren't any distractions (ticking clock, snoring DH, or pesky cat/dog). Sleep specialists say that we should remove digital clocks from the bedroom, since the inclination is to constantly check to see what time it is stimulates the brain (a kickstart to wakefullness).

Hope this helps!