Like Matte said, most of the time I realize I am dreaming and only perform RCs for stabilization purposes. A few times I RCed while thinking I was awake, but most of the time I knew already. The key with RCs is to train yourself to question your reality. The RCs are just to test the questioning. That is why I always recommend looking around and pretending you are dreaming, even if you know you are not. Then perform the RC.