On top of that, I will most likely wake others using a audible alarm;
iPod is hard to keep in, and autosuggestions is undependable at best.

between the two, however I seem to wake up alright.

I have the same results trying any technique in the middle of the night, or
right when I lay down to go to sleep. I just lay there counting my breaths
for about an hour or so, no SP, no nothing, then I give up and sleep.