Consequently, ignore any sensations of smell, change in temperature, or disturbing imagery you might see - again, remind yourself of this article and tell yourself that you are dreaming. Then, make a conscious effort to relax. Remember, if you struggle, you will intensify the experience. By following this simple technique, you will find that you will drift back into a conventional dream, or awaken the moment the REM period of sleep comes to a natural conclusion - usually very soon afterwards. Not all about this mysterious phenomenon is doom and gloom.
Some people use the condition for creative inspiration.
An artist, for example, might reproduce the very convincing vivid images he or she may witness. And it seems extremely likely that Charles Dickens was also inspired in a similar way.