i have less than desirable sleep patterns, but I seem to get by. I work early earlies - 3am, earlies - 6/7am and lates 1pm, so my body sometimes struggles to know where it should be.
Some things that help me sleep: Falling asleep on the sofa watching a film. Going to bed without distractions: we do not take laptops or phones to bed. Blackout blinds are useful if having to sleep early. Also, headphones are a joy, there is nothing as beautiful as falling asleep listening to music, although there is always the worry that you will not hear the evil alarm clock.
Wind down from your computer/ipad/phone/tv at least one hour before you plan to sleep. The bright lights, the conversation (especially the online arguments) will keep you mind too alert to sleep. I find a hot water bottle is good for feeling sleepy
I get by quite well on about 4 hours sleep most nights, but I do catch up on my days off.