... and really weird hallucinations if you stay awake instead of using as directed although the usual response to the weirdness is "go to bed"

I tried Ambien. It was useless for me. I have trialed 7 or 8 hypnotics and the most effective was the most popular drug: Lunesta.

Problems are, it's a DEA listed drug, it's psychologically addictive, but not "chemically addictive" like opiates.

Also, it is offered in 2 mg and 3 mg dosages. I was finding resistance and was quickly moving up to 4 mg.

Deciding to taper off was difficult, I have cycled on and off it maybe 3x, the last time I said "no more", as tapering off resulting in strong anxiety, scary.

Now I take 2x Baclofen, a muscle relaxer every 4 or 5 days just to try to get a decent night's rest, (I have tight, cramped muscles from swim team). It increases your serotonin, but again, resistance builds.

Melatonin and all other drugs I have tried are ineffective.