Insomnia is awful-- I'm sorry. Sleep meds are so hard, too, because I hate feeling drowsy or like I'm out of control (which is a large part of the reason I hate my sleep problems in general). I don't know if it would help you, but I found that taking valerian root would sometimes help me feel calmer, as my insomnia was usually triggered by anxiety. Probably 10000% placebo, but if you haven't tried it, maybe it would help a little? (And sorry in advance-- I know it can be really annoying when people's first reactions are 'HEY BUT HAVE YOU TRIED THIS. IT'LL PROBABLY FIX EVERYTHING.' but I thought I'd at least suggest it :) )

I have terrible nightmares too. In fact, one of the few panic attacks I've had was triggered by a nightmare. For me, I think it's all tied to my anxiety disorder.

In any case, wishing you nightmare free sleep and lots of it in the near future!