Valerian is an herbal supplement that promotes relaxation.  Am sure there are others, but that's the main one that comes to mind for me.

Here is the type of meditation that I learned, more than 25 years ago (at age 50) and I continue with the same variety:

http://newconnexion.net/article/07-99/mysteris.html

Here is another site that uses the same techniques that I practice:

http://psychicsandiego.com/meditation_is_simple/html/start.htm

And another site that gives more of the techniques that I use:

http://www.inbreath.com/introtech2.htm

And here are several books and audios:

http://www.cdmpublications.com/index.html

The important thing to keep in mind is that you are spirit residing in your body.  When you get in touch with yourself as spirit you can learn to release all the things you no longer wish to keep - the emotions from past experiences, other people's expectations for you, etc.  Work with people or things that recognize you as the eternal spirit that you are.

From the first link above:

by Mary Ellen Flora

Meditation is recommended by all of the health gurus; encouraged by stress managers, doctors and spiritual teachers. It is free, easy and can be fun. Everyone agrees that meditation can be beneficial, so why isn't everyone meditating?

The mysteries of meditation are seldom revealed, so the seeker often flounders around looking for how to meditate and loses interest or momentum after a few weeks. If he or she finds a method for meditation, it often includes a complex set of body postures or rules, which need to be mastered before the spiritual aspect of the meditation blossoms; or cannot find a system with enough structure to stay spiritually focused. These challenges deter all but the most serious seekers.

The remainder of the population, who need meditation equally as much, continue without the life-giving benefits of meditation. For this majority there is a system that teaches the mysteries of meditation in understandable terms and does not require challenging physical postures or complex systems, but does offer enough structure for spiritual and physical focus. Those already meditating can benefit from the system, as it can help bring meditation into balance, involving both spirit and body systems.

One of the main mysteries of meditation is that everyone is spirit, and the body is only the vehicle for spirit. Spirit is the life and light, and the body is the system used by spirit. Many people attempt to accomplish meditation with the belief they are only the body. This is not possible since it is spirit which meditates, using the body as the vehicle to do so.