No, a life long sleep problem does NOT mean you are doomed to stay in the pattern. I know it seems that way, but with hope and discipline it can be cured. If it isn't cured by the method's in John's book then it could be a physical problem. If there is no physical problem to your sleep then it CAN be cured.
Anxiety is a big culprit in sleeplessness.
If you change your thought patterns then you are changing chemical reactions occuring in your brain. If I were you, I definitly would not just learn to live with the anxiety. Keep searching, and don't give up.