"i developed chronic insomnia after a stressful life experience in 2006. i asked my general practitioner to prescribe temazapam (normisom) on the advice of a friend who had used it, and it is a godsend! i took it every night for 5 years, and found it non addictive, worked consistently, and i did not experience any side effects except for a little drowsiness next day sometimes.  i was able to give up taking it every night when my stress levels and sleep improved, but recently i have had to start using it regularly again (i take half a tablet) every night; i just wish 1 tablet would deliver a solid 8 hours sleep instead of 5-6.  my only concern is that i have heard (anecdotally) that it may contribute to dementia in some people."