If my DD won't sleep, but is still reasonably happy, i usually ride it out in the loungeroom. The TV is on, but low volume (if it is just DD and I, I will turn it off). DD can cuddle or read or play with quiet toys. The noisy & energising toys get put away. This way i don't lose my mind battling with her when i can see she is not going to go to sleep. DD will often play or read and then when she is ready will snuggle up to DH or me and we know she is ready.

If DD is tired but just won't sleep, i will take her down to the bedroom and try to get her to lay down in her bed (it sidecarts our bed) and i will lay next to her and sometimes read my book (sometimes this is too stimulating for her). SOmetimkes it works, sometimes it doesn't. sometimes i fall asleep and wake to her crawling on me and giggling.

If she really really needs sleep (or i really need a break) i will try to feed her lying down in our bed and then sneak out and leave her sleeping. we are trying to transition her to her bed so this is not first preference.

We are picking up a single king bed for her this week which will make settling her in her bed more comfy for us.

Fighting to get DD to sleep just sucks and i end up getting angry and disheartened. I try to go with the flow abit more, while making slow progression in making sleep easier.

good luck