I don't have a lot to share on this. I don't remember my dreams unless something startling is happening as I wake, and even then only if I repeat to myself or make a note immediately. If I don't do that it fogs up and disappears.

I have had a few lucid dreams, but there was always another party who went out of their way to bring it to my attention that we were in a dream.

You could be right on the chemicals, unless there is something taking place during all of this that is not tied to known laws we are imprisoned by. Like the horse tied to a chair who has been conditioned to believe the rope impedes its freedom and doesn't realize it can drag the chair wherever it wants.