How about trying no TV and from 6.30pm put on some soft classical music - we use a classic for babies bedtime cd and it really is amazing how it soothes down the atmosphere and the girls calm down and stop running about.

I also give porridge about 15 - 20 mins before bedtime to fill up their tummies with oats which are said to help with sleep (high levels of melatonin) and i find they are much calmer going to sleep these days too.

It's so hard on your own though without someone else there. Hope you get some rest soon and recover.