I have always thought that my lucid dreams are far more real than my waking life, especially when i am completely lucid. All of my senses are far more vivid and "real" than when i'm awake, even my emotions feel deeper and more meaningful.

i think a constant lack of sleep would probably cause you to have really intense dreams from the REM rebound effect, however you probably never remember them. Try getting into meditation, it will help you get to sleep and also help you focus and remember your dreams. I know it has done a lot for not only my sleep and lucid dreams, but also my waking life.