It is the taking charge that is important. The gifts will remain and just as strong - even when you take charge and don't allow random events - but use it in focused ways.

You are not alone in hearing noises while sleeping (how deep a sleep may be a factor). I have heard knocks on wood that are so real that if I was not aware of the spirits that are wanting my attention, well then I don't know what I would do. The knocks on wood happened while I was awake and in bed, this is the first time that I have revealed this. I have had visions while lying in bed at night, I have seen roman soldiers, I must state here that I WANTED to see visions from ancient times, the visions are very vivid when they do come and they only last a few seconds. I have told myself that I will try this again sometime, to mentally try to invoke images of whatever I can think of. I do not believe these images are coming from my own subconcious at all because the images have there own mannerisms and move at there own accord.

The best place to work on your own consciousness is in meditation. Sleep is to refresh body, mind, spirit and dreams tend to come when the subconscious wants to aid the conscious process.  If we precipitate it we are not allowing the rest so needed.