Some alternatives that know of may work. They aren’t as strong as ambien so may have to take more than 1. I’m in the same boat as u, take sleeping pills to avoid narcotics.

Valerian root is relaxing, for me doesn’t work on its own
Magnesium glycenate has many benefits besides sleep so it’s a good one to have in your cocktail.
I used to take melatonin every night but read some studies that dissuaded me away from this. I think it’s best for jet lag, shift workers syndrome or occasional use.
CBD and/ cannabis I have had good luck with, go to a dispensary and tell them you have neuropathy and want to sleep. There are many strains
I would recommend against long term Benadryl use
Chamomile tea
Tart cherry, I don’t like the taste
Try lavender essential oil on your pillow. Just a little
L- theanine

Other avenues to try include meditation, avoiding naps, limiting screens before bed,

None of them gave me a full nights sleep, but they help. I’m now on belsomra

There is a 12.5 mg extended release zolpidem available - maybe cut those in half?? I have been on zolpidem (alternate between 10 & 12.5 mg, but mostly 10mg) and don’t see any reason to quit - it works better than anything I’ve tried and I see no side effects. IMO, the idea that “natural is always better” is comical - some of the most deadly known toxins occur naturally 😬

sultan?

try Ramelteon. not habit forming 10 times stronger than melatonin.

my doc prescribed it even tho it wasn’t covered my my drug company, but they approved it? It is also actually thru good rx.

I am presently trying to go off of ambien so downsizing them and plan on using Ramelteon 2-3 times a week to see if that works. Only took twice so far due to a flareup so haven’t really given it a good try. plan to tho.

Trazodone is a godsend for me.

According to my psych, Trazodone improves sleep architecture.