Thank you for all of the suggestions!
I have been trying to really relax and just let the dreams flow instead of being actively involved- the sensation I have been feeling can best be described as what you feel when they give you pre-anesthesia drugs before surgery, you are aware of what is going on but are being moved around by another force (like when being pushed on a guerney or in a wheelchair). I have found though that if it is starting to get scary if I make the sky or the walls pink or purple everything just kinda moves along and doesn't continue in a scary or threatening way. Last night I actually got to lie on the lawn of the front yard of the house I grew up in and watched the clouds go by in a light lavender sky, it didn't last very long but I woke up refreshed.
I did try having a glass of wine one night, but because I generally only drink about once every few months the dreamless sleep was negated by the icky headache I had the next morning. OTC sleep aids only seem to get me to fall asleep faster but don't affect dream quality for me.
A warm bath and herbal tea have been added to my bedtime routine for relaxation as well and I have cut out all caffinated beverages and chocolate .
Thanks again for all of the suggestions! 8)