why does knowing i'm dreaming wake me up and not make me lucid

[Fullmoon]

This has been happening to me a lot. I will suddenly realize i'm dreaming but instead of becoming lucid the dream will fade away. I can control it before it's gone if i focus but its like i'm imagining it in my head. What's going on?

[TwitchLucidity]

Well, you're getting excited. Calm down, and refer to senses thread if you want a long lucid

[LucasPotter]

You need to work on dream stabilization. Dream Stabilization & Clarity

[TwitchLucidity]

Why didn't I say that, omg

[Fullmoon]

It's not that. I've been lucid before and this is different. Once I realize I'm dreaming It becomes as if I'm not in it but watching it and then it fades away. I never become lucid or exited.

[parkmeats]

Still sounds like you just lose control of the dream. Next time you feel like you are watching it, try to put yourself back in it by moving your awareness into the dream you are watching. Think of it like a WILD sort of. Put your awareness of touch, smell, feeling, sight, all of that, literally into the dream as you feel it fading. If it fades too quick, then simply allow it to fade but remain completely still and re imagine a dream, and you will re-renter one within seconds.

[Fullmoon]

Thanks a lot I'll try this the next time it happens.