What's a Good Night's Sleep?

I have no idea anymore what a GODD night's sleep is. Since I started working the third(graveyard) shift my sleep cycle is completely shot. I recently got into a cycle where if I went to bed no later than 4 p.m. I could generally wake up ready for the hour long drive to work by 10:30 p.m., for the most part. Now for the little things that can keep you awake. The television you have on real low starts broadcasting loud commercials and soft whispers are from the show, one of the cats getting antsy with the claws, that nuisance cough that pops up because your throat got dry, getting up to use the bathroom because of the water you've been drinking to soothe the dry throat, etc. Some of the things I've done seem to help like the night time cold meds that no longer have alcohol to help you fall asleep, melatonin, blindfold, ear plugs(too uncomfortable), nose strips, and liquor(didn't help, didn't hurt either). I think I wasted my time trying to get enough sleep to work my 12-8:30 shift. Why is that? It's because I'll be starting my new 10-6 a.m. shift in 2 weeks! Back to the drawing board.