I have been having a harsh battle with insomnia the last couple nights, in part because i can't shut my braid down from thinking, but when i try to sleep i toss and turn until almost 3 o'clock. can i use sleep aids?

Therapy?: Have you yet tried any form of psychotherapy? Typically, the optimal combination of things to treat emotional issues such as anxiety or depression is medication (which, on your best day, is supposed to take the edge off symptoms) but the real gruntwork takes place in psychotherapist's consulting room.

It is best: to focus on non drug sleep aids: cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety, regular sleep schedule, exercise, avoiding caffeine. But sometimes you have a busy/stressful time; your mind is just working overtime. I think it is ok to try something like ibuprofen PM which has some diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, in it. You'll have to see if it makes you too drowsy in am; just a night or two:)

Avoid stimulants: Avoid stimulants and follow relaxation rituals in the evening to aid you in shutting your brain down. I suggest to try Melatonin.