My question is, how do I realize my awakenings durring the night. I want to stop using alarms because they seem less effective. I've tried the water method, but that just wakes me up in my early sleep cycles at like midnight or 1:00 am, which is too early. I also use the affirmation, "I will realize my awakenings", but haven't had any luck yet.

What am I doing wrong? Is there anything I'm missing?