I've always had odd dreams. Even as young as 8 or so I can remember,  I would close my eyes and follow white circles.  Then dream of riding a horseless stagecouch  untill it plummeted of a cliff and loving the sensation of falling.  
As I got older often I had dreams of being in my room as if awake with no changes in my surroundings except everything was a dimmer color. As if the room was lit in starlight or moonlight. In my dream I was awake in my room just looking around when my bed would gently rise from the floor and float I was never afraid, just curious about  weightlesness I felt.  
As I became a teenager these dreams stopped along with the white circles and I began to dream of flying. I would jump and just extend my leap so as to hover a few inches off the ground. Eventually with pracitce I could control direction  and duration. After a long time I learned to fly upwards as well and was content just to show off to others in my dream and just enjoy the sensation.  
About age 19 I was dreaming that I was awake on my bed, but I knew I was dreaming(because I always do). When out of a book "Where the wild things Are". A shadow or black shape like a formless dark cloak emerged from the book and pinned me to my bed. I could feel the coldness and weight on my chest I couldn't breathe. I couldn't awaken, (I often have trouble waking up even though I know I'm dreaming), I tried changing the dream as I do when one gets boring or is going somewhere I don't want it too. This dream wasn't listening. Thankfully my dog woke me. As I came awake the dog was very agitated and letting out low growls and had her hackles up. I personally felt drained and was extremely cold but was covered in sweat. This was only time I had this dream.
Now as adult I dream of weird wars in odd places nothing historical, more like worlds of clouds or current times but as if war-torn. I'm never afraid and can do many things beside fly. I'm often have to face the enemy either by myself or with a group.
The other night I dreamed of serpent people half-snake half-human, in the past its been other fanciful creatures, werewolves,vampires, aliens,demons. Always some strange different than human enemy. Sometimes I use the enemy's power against itself, but I'm forever changed by having to do this. I don't always like when I have to do this, but its the only way to win. The dream changes when either I win or retreat to regroup. My side doesn't lose because, we never give up. Often I don't see the end of the battle. I get pulled into a less stable dream. For example look one way and then back you've moved or the dream changes.  These dreams are harder to remember, and harder to navigate. I feel like these dreams show me things I need to know. My last one I was lying on my back looking up and laughing about something. Then  I noticed My shirt was rapidly becoming covered in black wasps. I was laying on hive. I wasn't scared. I didn't run I just took all the stings realizing they were only defending their hive. With that thought I made all the stings heal and changed the dream.
In my dreams I can sometimes read things(newspapers, notes,numbers).  Someone said that's not possible, I've had several dreams recently where two cross streets are mentioned. Sometimes certain people or things will be in several dreams that are totally different. When I wake up sometimes I'm more tired then when I went to sleep.   I don't know if this means anything or if my brain is just rotted by t.v. and an over active imagination. I'm just curious if they mean something or do I just dream oddly.

Hi Sabin,
 You are not dreaming wierd! What you are actually doing is the same thing I do, its called astral projection. Ever heard of it?
When you astral project your spirit leaves your body and travel to other spirit realms. Thats why you feel as if you are flying, your spirit is!With the astral body, you can go back into time, or go into the future. There is no time in the spirit world . All realities exist at the same time, it is just a thought away. check out quantum physics.
 When I astral project and I am sleeping, i' too feel as if I am awake. This is normal. Our spirit sees all. It does not sleep.
When you had the dream about the dark shadow sitting on your chest, you were just settling back into your body. It's called gravity. Sometimes you are unable to move right away and feel paralyzed and it is hard to breathe, but eventually it wears off. (I am trying to answer your questions in order here so bare with me.)  When I wake from astral travel I too feel very cold and weak, i can't stand up right away, because my legs will give out, this is normal. eventually that will pass also.
 The wars you see in your "dreams" are other places, other universes that exist side by side with us. Others seem to travel to these places also, i.e. the group.the fact that you are able to navigate well is a good thing. You have become adept at something you didn't even know you could do! Bravo!!
 It is possible to read newspapers, visit old friends and relatives, even see a television program before it airs, i have done that! Want to travel somew2here, think it before you go to sleep and you will be there! A heck of alot cheaper, right?
 The groups and people that show up in many dreams are people from past lives that you have known, they may not be with you now,but when you sleep you will know them.They are astral travelers, such as yourself.
 The wasps that are there stinging you are showing that you have a wisdom in the spirit world, the fact that you understand their need to protect themselves tells me that you are  what they call "an old soul" You have been here many times. That is why it is so easy for you astral travel.
This is nothing to be afraid of and you not weird! In fact, you are very talanted. Everyone can astral travel in theirr sleep, but then a few of us can control it. It is up to us to help others understand so they may get the full experience of life in the astral.
                                              Happy travels,
                                                        Samantha