Quote Originally Posted by RCLefty View Post
Secondly, I would add that in my experience, as I have grown in my ability to LD, I have seen an increase in what I'll call "background lucidity," by which I mean that even in non-lucid dreams, I have more control, and at least some sense of awareness of that control. As those abilities have increased, I have become able to shrug off threats before they become nightmares, and this might serve you well.
I know what you mean about background lucidity, I also seem to get this in non-lucids sometimes. However, even if I am not lucid or aware in any way when I get attacked in the dream, I find once I do get attacked I develop some sort of awareness but I am unable to do much other than force myself awake because of the commotion and confusion. And this can take several seconds at the very least.