I also have lucid dreams--and have had them from a very early age. I love having them--it makes dreaming so much more enjoyable. I don't have them everynight--just once in awhile. I actaully had one about 2 weeks ago. I knew I was dreaming--manipulated the dream, woke up (as the dream was a bit intense) and then went back to sleep to continue the dream.
My family thinks I am nuts-- they know I do this, they cannot--and think I am just plain looney!!!
I use to be able to self-hypnotize---which was great!!! Wish I could still do it-- but I think since I have grown-up and had kids--my mind is not a clear as it once was--when I try I am overwhlemed with thoughts running thru my head.
My self-hynotized state was often simaliar to the state of my lucid dreams.
-wendi