My current series of escalation is melatonin (which stays on through the rest of the escalation), Benadryl/Atarax, Trazadone vs Remeron (if Remeron is appropriate), Seroquel, and then MAYBE zyprexa (haven't actually done this but i guess its an option), and then I hit a rut with ZZZ's and TCA's and benzos (all of which i am very uncomfortable at this time Rx'ing).
I suspect orexin and ramelteon family stuff should be around the Benadryl / Atarax level however again I have zero interest in doing a PA for those so I avoid them at this time.
Anecdotally as well sleep therapy ROCKS. After our second kid my wifes sleep was horrific, and she did sleep therapy (I think it was CBT-I techniques but not a ridged CBT-I curriculum) and it worked wonders for her. Im spoiled to have a sleep and anxiety ( which is what she used) clinic at my institution and I probably refer 25% of my patients too it (unfortunately its a 5 month waitlist).
*Also I am Med-Psych and OSA is a HUGE deal! Its estimated that something like 20-40% of the population has some level of OSA and a very small number of them are actually being treated. Being wise with sleep med referrals and using your STOP-BANG can make a HUGE difference in mental and physical health. I see OSA as something as bad as poorly controlled DM. It can lead to some really scary stuff such as pulm HTN, uncontrolled HTN, heart failure, chronic ischemic changes in the brain (think about it these people are essentially being repeatedly partially asphyxiated every single night), and more. OH MY!. Long and short someone getting an OSA diagnosis followed by appropriate Tx can make MASSIVE differences in mental and physical health.
Again great thread thanks yall, Again I would love some words to help boost my comfort level regarding ZZZ and TCA's (unless of course my level of discomfort with them is appropriate and I should never RX them- which i somewhat doubt.).