I use Melatonin as well (5mg). You can get them over the counter at any GNC store or health food store.
I also find I have vivid dreams, but only take them on ME patterns so I can get some rest for the way home. At the outport, I don't drink tea or coffee and pop the pill an hour before I want to sleep.
Works great and I usually get 4-5 hours in.
Apparently the difference with Melatonin and a sleeping pill is that with Melatonin, it just gets you into a relaxed state so that you CAN drift off to sleep. Once asleep you can wake easily, so i out earplugs in. With a sleeping pill it keeps you asleep, so probably more chance of not waking up with noise around you.
As posted above Melatonin doesn't work for everyone.