What exactly is this?

[Rothgar]

I've had lots of DILDs so I know what LDs normally are like. But I have had 3 that I would put in a different category. They occur after I have really awakened, but usually on a weekend so I can "doze" on and off for an extra hour in bed. Without being aware of any transition, I will like immediately enter what is like a dream... I will be racing down a hill on a bike, or climbing an icy ridge in antarctica. But it happens so fast I know I am in a dream. Sort of half in and half out. I see everything fine, and have control but like I never really went to sleep, and these only last maybe 10 to 15 seconds. It doesnt seem as real as my typical DILD, and I dont have to become aware because I never really lost awareness.

[Sivason]

You can dream in nREM ssleep, which many people do not realize. Therefore you can LD in nREM sleep phases. Stage 1 nREM is a kind of transition phase, with some awareness of your waking body. The dreams are less vivid and often have no DCs or plot. They have the bizare trait of being dreams, but happening when you are still partially awake. That would be my guess about what you are experiencing.

[gab]

I sometimes fail to enter WILD, because I'm still awake when dream starts and I tell myself, ok, you have 10 seconds to fall asleep or else. But many times I just can't, although I'm already dreaming. Would be frustrating, but I take them all as learning and appreciate each transition. If you can stick with it and keep your awareness untill you fall asleep little more deep, you will be in WILD, or possibly little later on in a DILD.

[Rothgar]

Thanks! Both answers make a lot of sense. Perhaps dream is starting before REM so I am too awake at that point. Not that its bad...even these short LDs are fun, if short.

[TipsyPsychonaut]

I will try to answer as well. So these happen after you've awaken on a typical day and can sneak in some extra zeds. Your normal circadian rhythm would want to wake your mind up in a normal morning routine, instead you shortly nap and seep right back in to a deep dream state quickly. Circadian rhythm of course being your pattern of brainwave activity present with your sleeping pattern. Some times some a short while after waking up a nap will give you insanely vivid dreams. The mind wasn't fully awake to begin with so getting back to bed is easier.