i actually mentioned what i am about to write in the workshop as a little titbit of info for anyone with sleeping problems, but i stumbled across your post and thought it might be at home here too

.
basically someone bought me an alarm clock one christmas and although it looked cool i never really unpacked it.
one night i couldn't sleep, my thoughts were racing and images kept popping into my mind that were very disturbing (sort of like nightmares but when i'm awake). anyway, i started sleeping with the TV on mute after that because i hated the complete darkness of my room.
another few nights later and i stumbled across the clock. i unpacked it and turns out its a clock that lights up and gently eases from colour to colour, it's very soothing and not too bright.
i highly reccomend this to anyone with sleep issues because a completely dark room can be intimidating and often bring on nightmares as you start imagining things more in a dark room.
also the soothing colours (and the fact the clocks kinda squidgy and nice to touch

) help you to relax and bring on sleep!
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com - the exact clock i have can be bought from there, i believe it's called a mood clock or something.
hope this might help.
x.