^ over the counter stuff that will make you sleep is the same concept of taking prescription. He also has depression issues and doesn't want to go on it.
My brothers girlfriend when she was depressed took melatonin in small dosage as recommended by her doctor and it put her to sleep and in a better mood when she woke up. it is all natural, and has no side effects. Since it is all natural it only works on about 1/10 people. Thats why there is no side effects because of how gentle it is on your system. It is worth a try to take a 3mg pill before bed. A doctor could help you out with that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin
{EDIT} In the article it says there are very few side effects, i have talked to several doctors about insomnia and melatonin, and they all say all there patients who have taken melatonin have had zero side effects from it, only benefits.{EDIT}