I've had that too, where the dreams seem real. I still remember one time walking by a weedy area on a City street and being wary because there might be snakes Leftover dream image/feelings.

I'd go to your doctor and see about the aches and pains or change pillows or see if you can make any sort of impact. Sometimes Alavert before bed helps if I'm itching or twitching :-) from my cats or other miscellaneous causes from my household. I was complaining to my doctor just this morning and will be having blood tests (B12, I have trouble waking up). Vitamin D helped some of my aches and pains (also shown to be low from doctor's blood test) but I still get a bad neck and arm on the side I sleep on often that takes a long time going away. Do you take a multi vitamin or anything? That might be worth a try.