Schedule Gets in the Way

hey guys, so i tend to be the kinda person that likes instant gratification... ergo, i dont have a whole ton of patience with things unless i know exactly when they're going to happen. so at the beginning of last Christmas break i got interested in lucid dreaming, and began recording in a dream journal. i discovered that i actually have pretty good dream recall to begin with (2-3 dreams a night.) However, as soon as school started back up, i began to not be able to remember my dreams at all. I assume it has been the lack of sleep, but either way ive started to lose patience. So i have two questions for the more experienced lucid dreamers out there. It may be a naive question, but typically how long does it take for one to achieve lucidity? and with school and getting up at 6:30 getting in the way, how can i continue to have dreams that i can recall, so that i can increase my dream vividity and come closer to a lucid dream? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks :)

I don't think the length of the sleep is very important, as often I gain lucidity during napping. if you have to get up at 6:30, try and set your alarm 15 minutes earlier. this will enable you 15 minutes to try and note down any of the dreams you recall having during your nights rest. then you can continue with your important schedule. maybe before you go to sleep, you can revisit your notes - you may remember more. thinking about lucid dreaming before you drift off (not intensely, like many seem to do), may also help you gain lucidity. it is difficult for anybody to guess how long it will take for each individual, but considering it is actively on your mind before you rest - it is inevitable that it will happen. it is key to remember that your studies should remain a priority, and your sleeping schedule does not need to be dramatically altered in anyway for you to enjoy lucid dreaming.

Alright, thank you very much, ill keep working at it. thanks alot for the advice!!