Thread: Oddities that I need help with

Well, first of all, I'm new here. Long time lurker, brand new member .

Anyhow, when i'm going to sleep, I start seeing things. It's as i'm falling asleep for the first time, not after waking up during my REM period and going back to sleep. I'm pretty sure it's not hypnagogic imagery, but hell, i'm not sure.

Anyhow, it's like my mind is making a scene, usually with people I know, but they only last for a few seconds. They either do or say something REALLY weird, and I generally only remember a few seconds of it. The images go away once I realize i'm having them, but I'm wondering how I can use this for lucid dreaming. I don't see how this could be utilized, considering it's about 5 hours before REM.

Next, I have my phone under my pillow set to wake me up 5 hours after I fall asleep. I've been doing it for the past few days, attempting to FILD. After I wake up, I turn off the alarm, still half asleep, and I try to relax. I end up falling asleep before getting to try to FILD, because i'm just too tired. But it feels like i'm too awake to do it once I immediately wake up.

Is there any easier way to do this? Is there an easier and more successful WBTB technique? Thanks!


Edit:
Couple more things to add in.
A few nights ago, I saw someone reading "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming" but I did nothing, I didn't even consider it strange (especially considering everyone in that certain class knows nothing about lucid dreaming, therefore has no reason to be reading the book in the first place)