We actually wake up after every REM cycle but we usually don't remember it. I usually am aware of waking up after sleeping for 5-6 hours. Maybe your interest in LDing has changed your sleeping pattern slightly. Before I started Dream Journaling and practicing for LDs I don't remember waking up during the night very much.

When you do wake up you could try to WILD or do WBTB. I have never been able to correctly WILD but in my expericance if I maintain low level awareness while falling asleep it can help me to have a DILD.