Quote Originally Posted by ber5897 View Post
Is it an unreliable technique?
If you do it correctly, then it's very reliable. As gab said, you have to stay still while attempting one. From my experiences, I normally realize I'm dreaming as the dream is fading and stay completely still, without opening my eyes. Within seconds I start either hallucinating or go straight into another dream. If you awake yourself too much, or become very aware that you're simply lying in bed, then it won't work.