I didn't read through all of these so I am not sure if what I am going to suggest has been written, so forgive me if it has.

I say...why sleep in total darkness!? You are a grown man...you can have a night light if you want! If you can handle it I would say ...sleep with a radio very low....perhaps a calming music cd?

I know it's hard....I have to sleep with a tv blaring every night...my wife does not like it...but she deals.