Thought I'd dig this thread up. After seeing Waking Life and sleeping a lot recently, I've become even more interested in this subject.
Earlier today, I had one and I attempted to control my stereo. It was quite entertaining.
My problem with these dreams I've noticed, is that I'm convincing myself that I am actually suppose to control my physical self, so I'm putting in way more effort than I need to and that causes me to wake up. Like, while controling my stereo, I was determined to get my physical self to also control the stereo. That's just not gonna happen! Somtimes it feels very very real, as though I'm actually doing it. Very very odd stuff.
I can kick my legs maniacally when I want out. For instance, when something freaks me out. My brother has heard me do it. He thought I was nuts!
Does anyone else here into this subject know of any college courses where you learn about sleep and dreaming? Aside from Philosphy and Music, this is one of the few things I'm interested in enough to persue full on.