Well the distortions in real life could be two things, in my opinion. You have woken from a dream and you are experiencing Hallucinations, if you attempt to WILD sometimes you will feel yourself spinning or floating and if you open your eyes it probably will look all rippley. (again, in my expierence) When I was a kid I used to have similar experiences so don't worry about it. Children tend to be more active dreamers.
Not sure where you can learn more, just talk to other dreamers here.