Super Chronic Insomnia

I have chronic insomnia and have had it for about a year now- it worries my mother (I'm 13) very much. I went to a doctor to see about long term sleeping pills- she happened to work at a phycologist's office as a nurse on the side, and diagnosed me with bipolar disorder- which I most certainly do not have (if you don't believe me, listen to this- the minute the lady left, my mom burst out laughing, and didn't stop for 15 minutes). Oh, and when my mom (and sister) mentioned I had no symptoms (mom's a research pychologist), the Dr said, "Oh, good thing we caught it early.". I think I may be suffering from depression. Can someone help me figure out what's wrong, so I can go to bed at a decent time?

<3,

Fae

P.S It used to be even worse- I was up till 12 (in the morning) and then couldn't sleep during the day either, as the sun was up. Now I'm only up till four- but the sleep still isn't very deep.

Oh, and I tried sleep aids and such. Unless I took two Sleep Aids(which was 2 the amount for adults and 4 times the amount for 12 and under, which I was at the time) they didn't work. I've also tried melotonin and Tylonal PM, but I'm afraid of addiction.

<3,

Fae

I also have had chronic insomnia for most of my life. Now 47, I remember as a child laying in bed ofr 8-10 hours before sleeping. In 2001 I went through 14 major life changes and after approx 30 min consult with a P Dr I was diagnosed Bipolar I. A 2nd opinion was sought and after reading the 1st Dr's report and approx 30 min consult this Dr also said BiPilor I. I thought it amazing with such little info. I admit that I had quite a few manic episodes which I think were brought on by antidepressants taken for teh the many life changes. I have been seeing a new P Dr since 2002 and he has yet to say yes or no about the Bipolar but does say once a bipolar always a bipolar... So I would try to get an independent opion from a Psychiatrist in hte field. This is not an illness that you wnat to live with if you don't realy have it. I have been declined insurance and the meds are very expensive. Since my 2001 episode I have not slept without meds. I have been on so many that I can't remember all of them. For the past 3 years I have been on Seroquel, for sleep. However it is also a treatment for bipolar. Although I have not had any more bipolar related episodes I don't sleep - at all, unless on meds. The Seroquel has been the only thing that works but has many bad side effects such as excessive weight gain, diabetes, etc. Not to mention the expense! Just 3 days ago we decided to try a ned med that is non addictive and supposed to be a good alternative. It is called Rozerem. I've taken it twice now. It is supposed to bring on sleep faster and easier. So far no luck but I was told that it could take a few weeks for max effectiveness. And with my history it will probably be this way for me. I tell you all this because I wonder if because you don't sleep the Dr feels you are bipolar??? Were you prescribed anything for the sleep issues? Let me know how it goes. Good luck and happy dreams!
Linda