Someone recommended aspirin, but aspirin tablets ~ all brands ~ contain 2% caffeine. (It is apparantly a ncessary catalyst that makes the aspirin itself work effectively.) So, aspirin works only if aches and pains are keeping you awake, and the painkilling aspect of the aspirin outweighs the countervailing effect of the caffeine.

There are plenty of other similar painkillers/anti-inflammarories that do not contain caffeine: acetaminophen, ibuprofin, etc.

Acetaminophen PM works for me; I resort to this sleep medication maybe once every week or two. I am generally a "night person" ~ slow to go to sleep and slow/difficult to get up in the morning as well. I'll take a PM or two only when I am especially wakeful, or when I will need to get up earlier than usual and therefore need to get to sleep without undue delay.

You should note that all brands of "PM" are essentially the same, consisting of acetaminophen plus the sleep-inducing ingredient, which is actaully an antihistimine. Even Excedrin PM is made according to this formula, even though regular Excedrin is half-and-half aspirin and acetaminophen. No aspirin (and none of trhe accompanying caffeine) in the PM formula.

Of course, whether your preferred "poison" is PM, whiskey, warm milk, Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea,or whatever, it's better to take it sooner than later, i.e., before retiring rather than after a couple of hours tossing and turning. By the time your soporific of choice finally takes effect, it's almost time to get up!