I have this problem too. My LDs used to always end right away, but the more LDs I have, the easier it is to not wake up. Just keep practicing; after a certain number of LDs it won't be so much of a shock and you won't panic about not waking up.

I also get distracted from what I planned on doing, but with flying. I haven't actually been able to fly in a LD yet. I read in EWOLD that it's best to have fun in a few LDs before trying to do experiments and whatnot.