Every time i try to sleep at night, i have trouble relaxing. and when i do manage to relax, the slightest noise (i.e.: the house creaking) snaps me out of it and i become totally awake. very annoying...

also... I try to clear my mind of everything to do self suggestion, but... my brain goes hyper and wanders like crazy! or.. sometimes i get this feeling that i'm traveling through a small tunnel. is that supposed to happen?

does anyone have some ideas that could help?

My family is so noisy so i sometimes wear earplugs at night so i dont have to listen to their stupidity. You can do the same thing. And meditating is good to relax

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have that too sometimes. Earplugs do work, though they take some getting used to. Also, realxing BEFORE going to sleep helps. I find if I turn off the television and go to bed immediately, my mind is often still racing. What helps is for me is a bit of reading in bed. Also, anything in your life that requires an action or response and is in you head, will make your body ready for action. So stay mentally away from all work or conflicts. Also: get up early, work hard and excersise. There is still no better sleeping formula.

Sweet Dreams

Before I go to bed, I just read something or look through a journal. or I write in one. I find that if I just try and space out, sort of how you feel when you just wake up but without the tiredness, It helps keep your mind wandering at bay. To relax my body, and what I found helps a lot, is you tense your muscles as hard as you can for ten seconds, starting with your feet and working up to your shoulders and arms.

It might help to not concentrate on not letting your mind wander, perhaps after a while your thoughts will just turn into a dream.

This is how I relax, anyway

Try the following exercise (© by Raven :)).
Imagine jumping out of your body with fast and strong leap. Jump off your bed. Then run very fast out of your room, your house, your street to the place you like (only imagine). And start examining objects. Concentrate seriously. When you'll find a nice beautiful place - lie there and look at the sky. Relax.

This always helps me to relax and start meditating: you just FORGET your body and nothing more bothers you. If you'll return back - repeat again. But try to stay conscious, or you will lose contol over yourself and fall asleep (or maybe this is your purpose? :)).