Hello,
Let me begin with a simple response to your question: The best remedy to overcome
sleep deprivation is, to sleep!
Going by the
restlessness and constant physical and mental tension that you have been experiencing, i feel that you might be stressed out beyond your physical/mental capacity. The churning in the stomach and the
muscle cramps are both signs of
anxiety as well as the lack of rest that your body has faced, due to
insomnia.
Our body has a tremendous capacity to adapt to stress of all kinds and hence, a few sleepless nights won't hamper you for too long. But at the same time, it is very important to restore a normal
sleep cycle if we want to prevent damage to the body and mind in the long run.
Hence, treatment of some kind seems warranted in this situation.
I agree with you that getting back on track with lifestyle changes only is the most welcome option. Hence, i suggest you to follow the steps of 'sleep hygiene' wherein, a regular routine, with fixed timings for meals and workout/exercise, plus avoiding stimulating foods like coffee/drinks after evenings and reducing light/sound/mind work exposures around sleep time, are recommended.
You may try a new place for sleeping for a change. Also, you may read around internet on 'relaxation techniques' and follow them twice in your 24 hours, once during afternoons and once before going to bed.
Having said this, i would want to emphasize the need for medication if the above tips do not help you over next 2-3 weeks time.
Check these out:
http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
http://patient.info/health/relaxation-exercises
I hope this addresses your concern. Feel free to communicate further for any queries.
Wish you good health and a good night sleep!