I've just had a sudden realisation. When I was younger ( a small child ) I used to be able to wake myslf up from dreams at will. For example I would simply blink or close my eyes often to get out of nightmares. I was aware when something was a dream and could get myself out of it. Effectively I was a lot more aware when younger than I am now dreaming.

And I remember to fall asleep each night I would lie in bed picturing things in my mind, seeing what my imagination came up with. It was like 'counting sheep' for me, it helped me fall asleep. I did it every night. I've never done it since but now im learning more about lucid dreaming and specifically visualisation as a tool i'm beggining to see a link. Could that have been what I was doing when I was kid?

I might have to try tonight. Any thoughts?