how to sleep

how do you stay asleep or get back to sleep.  that is my problem  I fall asleep with the tv on so I am thinking about the show not my life but I have start to wake up around 1-2 am .. I then start the thoughts of regret and dread and can't sleep  and if i do finally fallto sleep it is about the time to get up ..now I am tired and anxious and feeling more depressed.  I just get this feeling over me of sadness. the I start thinking and my chest get tight and I feel like Ineed to jump out of my skin..  We have heart disease but I know i am fine . I was running alot until about 6 weeks ago when I got hurt playing with my kids and had to stop  i have started walking .  Part of me wish I had a heart problem and that i would have a massive heart attack and die like my dad.  I can't stand to have to deal with this for 40 more years. 

Back to my original question   sleep  how???????

I am on meds to help me sleep. Have you spoken to your doctor about this?

What sleeping meds work best for you?  I have been prescribed several and most are dissapointing in one way or another.  Too short or too long sleep. Maybe someone who has been taking them for awhile knows the answer.  maybe my body has just become resistant.