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Pumpkinukulele I used to be terrified of going to sleep. My temporary suggestions, beyond the solutions the others offered, are three things that I have used to help myself.
1. Pillows. I sleep with three pillows: one for my head, one between my legs, and one against my back. This sort of tricks you into subconsciously thinking someone else is there, or that your back is protected.
2. Music. Your podcast idea is also good. I have several playlists that I listen to when I'm going to bed. Just make sure they are long enough that you are properly asleep by the time they are over.
3. Lights. Supposedly, this makes you sleep more restlessly, but for me, it helps me get any sleep at all. I actually have a small lamp that I keep on all night, though I usually mute the glow. Also really useful are Christmas lights, which are bright enough to to suggest the walls of your room, but dim enough to not hurt your eyes.
Also, I didn't include this in my list, but I thought I'd mention it. I like to recite bible passages to myself, mentally, or if it's really bad, aloud. I am a Christian, and I recognize that you likely do not subscribe to my religious beliefs, but personally, as a believer, I find it incredibly comforting to know that I can get through this with a little bit of aid. My go-to is 2 Timothy 1:7, which reads, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," from the King James Version.
I hope this helps, or someone else's suggestion does :3 Sleep well!