1) I personally sleep with a wireless keyboard, with notepad open on my laptop. I can type with my eyes closed, and that way I don't lose the dream. If you can't, or don't want to do that, just try your best to write important words as legibly as you can.
2) SP always makes me panic. I couldn't SP into LD if I tried. I wouldn't try this method.
3) That could actually be your heart rate. I used to have that problem after taking stimulants.