Actually, environmental awareness is inherent part of true self-reflexive awareness, and for me to get the hang of "lucid dreaming" was all about recognizing the true nature of space.

For example the self I use for OBE-style (you'd say false awakening style) lucid dreaming stems from a consciousness associated with room sized volumes. Everyone can get familiar with this consciousness by extending their perceptual awareness from the chest. It's not necessary to shut off your mind and invert your senses - this and laying down might put you into unconscious sleep.