Also a taker of melatonin. It had been suggested to me years ago and I tried a bit...said it didn't work.
Then about 2 years ago I tried again, at a higher does and it did work quiet well. I have no troubles with nightmares. I have never had to increase a dose.
Ambien has worked well for me as need for many years. I general take it only for half of the month. Never have had problems in stopping it, nor any horror stories. I like it being consistent in helping me get to sleep.....it just doesn't KEEP me asleep. The half life is incredibly short.
I also have never increased my dose.
Never tried any other supplements.
Gabapentin and trazodone - I've often heard great things about both in sleeping and the complaints being weight gain and hangovers. As with any medication, people will react differently.
There are quite a few threads on SR which show many people become dependent (addicted?) to gabapentin.
I've taken gabapentin for 3 years. I've had my dose increased and have been ill the 2 times I've not gotten it refilled on time.
Take care!