1) Yeah sometimes visualizing keeps me awake. Try meditating first in your bed and get really relaxed. When you are almost on the point of sleep try visualizing.

2) Reality Checks will only increase your chance of becoming lucid. No matter which times you choose to reality check remeber to pay attention to the RC. Doing it mindlessly will only hurt you.

3) Each technique is different, and has different times that work best. MILD is better than WILD at certain times. And it is not a requirement to wake up in the night.

Welcome to the forums, is there any snow up where you live right now?