I had this same problem when my neuro started me taking my tablets twice a
day. I have a slightly better sleeping pattern now, but when it was really
bad, I set an alarm with my tablet next to it, I would (this sounds so sad)
wander out, get some drink, take my pill and fall back into bed lol. Anyway,
apart from that, if you have to take it with a meal, maybe you could ask if
lunch time is ok? That way you are probably going to be out of bed? Just a
thought.
Beck.

 I haven't used trileptal.  You can find it likely under Med. site at
http://efa.org  or from a website your pharmacist should have.  (They
*should have given you a printout with first prescription about how to use
each pill, what to take and not take with it, etc.  If they forgot, pick up
another or ask if *they have a website you can go to and print out
information. )
  It sounded (above) like they wanted the pill started earlier (dinner) so
it's at liver or kidneys? by bedtime, since you'll be taking it 3-5 hours
ahead of normal bed time.  Space them 12 hours apart, if you're taking them
2x a day.  *Note 7PM to 8AM is *not 15-20 hours as you listed above.

 IF the Trileptal is like the Dilantin or Tegretol I used to take (I still
take latter),  you might get tired and be asleep within 2 hours of dinner
when you first start that schedule.  So you might be asleep by 8-9PM rather
than later as you're used to now.  Once you've taken it that schedule for a
week or 2, you might get accustomed to that time of dose and be able to stay
awake later.
  You'll only know by trying it.   Many of the pills should be taken with
Milk, Food or Juice, so by taking it with Dinner, you might also slow up the
rate the dose is absorbed into blood, and avoid any side effects that might
be contributing to lack of sleep you have now, if that's why you are
currently on an 'erratic sleep schedule'.   G./

Howdy Charlie!

I also have a very bizarre sleep schedule. My primary question for your
doctor would be:

"Are you telling me that my meds should be taken WITH FOOD?"

I'm down to taking meds bid. so I take them when I get up and when I retire
(no matter what time of the day or night that might be.)

I also have diabetes. Since the doctor treating my diabetese knows that I am
on an irregular sleep schedule he has me counting my carbs and taking an
appropriate amount of fast-acting insulin with the meal. (I also take slow
insulin at the same time that I take my other meds.)