it sounds to me like that was definitely a WILD. the sound people talk about is associated with sleep-paralysis. from your description it sounds like you didn't experience that part, but regained consciousness immediately thereafter. usually when you experience all the stages, you feel sleep paralysis come on, sometimes with noises or feeling like your body is vibrating or buzzing, and then, for me at least, i end up feeling like i'm floating, disembodied. every time i have transitioned into a real dream i have just relaxed completely and just enjoyed the feeling of non-existence, and then all of sudden i would feel myself literally thrown into a dream and fall onto a floor, etc.

getting enough sleep is vital to dream recall. also it seems like having a regular sleep schedule is important as well. i try to get at least 9 of sleep a night, but i have a very relaxed schedule. as for being woken up in the middle of the night--thats the easiest way to WILD. if you get woken up, don't move a muscle or wonder about the sound, just try to fall back asleep immediately, and you'll usually feel sleep paralysis.

good luck!