A better way to WILD?

Hello all. I'm not new to WILDing and am very good at it, but i find the best way for me is to sort of doze off and lose all awareness but for a tiny thread. Then when I hit SP I become slightly more conscience and am able to progress from there. However recently I've been having midterms and studying very late, making myself tired. Is there anyway I can keep myself more consciously aware, as in counting? I have tried and haven't had much success. Would passive thoughts work? Or am I doing something wrong? Because if I do my method I always fall asleep :D