when does your REM start?

hey,
im new to the site, and i think it would be really cool to control dreams and stuff. i was wondering, when i should set an alarm or something to wake my self from a dream (because i understand that your dreams are during REM??). So when do you guys suggest when to do that, i am in the begining stages of this, and i want to start remembering and writing my dreams down. Any personal tips like what time, and anything extra that you think the intro and instructions left out that you think would help me, feel free to tell me. peace.

FluBB

My rem cycle usually starts at around five am, and if i get woken between five and six, i'm usually right in the middle of a dream and therefore can recall it much easier than one i might have had earlier in the night. I also find that if i wake up at this time, stay up for an hour to two hours and then go back to sleep, i find i have some really clear and vivid dreams. This morning i was actually aware that i was dreaming, but decided not to go lucid as i was too fascinated by how the dream was unfolding!!
I shall definitely be trying it tomorrow! Maybe wake myself up, read Laberge's book for a bit, and then go back to sleep...