The mind-racing insomnia used to be a problem for me too. Audible was a game changer in that regard. Just pop in one ear bud, drop a bookmark and set the sleep timer.
Less stimulating than tv, and less disruptive to DH than having a light on to read.
I'm so sorry to hear that. I do hope it was interaction of the cold medicine and sleep aid (and can be avoided at all costs in future) Certainly hope you're doing better with the Covid now too.
Feel free to msg me anytime if you need someone to talk to. My usual "schedule" has me up until 2...
Nightmares can be so much more serious and disruptive than the average person would understand.
In my early 20s I had a terrible months-long problem with sleep paralysis. It's scary enough all on its own, but towards the end it started happening in conjunction with nightmares. When that happened...