I've tried both earplugs AND eyeshades for those "got to sleep NOW" layovers. For me, ear plugs are painful, and way too distracting.

The best thing for me is white noise... turn any fans on full. I really need to get one of those white noise sleep machines.

As for kids screwing around in the hallway... I've lost all patience with that crap. I'll stick my scary old-man face out into the hall and tell them to keep it down. And if that doesn't work, calling the front desk usually does.