Recognizing exit sensations in a dream...

[psych0naut]

Last night I had a dream where I was laying in a bed and small dogs or monkeys were jumping on me and biting/pinching/pulling on my chest. I didn't recognize it at the time but where I woke up I realized this was likely my mind's interpretation of heart or solar plexus center activity. The previous night I had an episode of sleep paralysis but I was still in a dreaming state so I did not identify it *as* sleep paralysis until I'd woken up (from the sound of rain outside). Fortunately I was able to achieve either an OBE or LD by using affirmations and such after the DP episode.

My question is...what can I do to increase the likelihood that I will recognize these phenomena and be able to respond appropriately before actually waking?

Regards,
psych0naut
(((-_-)))