Dream signals don't do anything in terms of awareness. You have to be aware in general, and always be skeptical as to whether or not you could be dreaming. After all, you could be dreaming right now - just because you see a dream sign, it doesn't mean nothing is off.

Where did you get to where you are right now? Why are you doing what you're doing? Can you hear yourself breathe?

You don't question things when you're dreaming because they seem so real at the time. What's so different about real life - it feels real, but does that alone really mean you're awake?