sleep? what sleep?

[juanita]

I know we've talked about insomnia on here before, but I would like to know how many of you have it and how long it has affected you. I can't remember how far into everything i was when it hit. I do know I did not talk to the doc about it till six months ago. I'm just stubborn like that. He gave me ambien to take at night. I've been on it since June, or there abouts. When I went to refill it last week, the drugstore could not fill it per the insurance company without the doc calling them and saying that yes I do still need the ambien. So I went for three days without it while they went back and forth. I was so exhausted from not getting to sleep, but could still not get to sleep. I tried getting back up and everything I'd ever read to do. The pharmacist recommended trying to wean myself off of it. So what I'd like to know is who has had insomnia, how long you've had it and suggestions or advice on "weaning" myself off of it.