What is the lag time between event and acknowlegement?

Question

While dozing off on the train recently, I started dreaming that the train was nearing the edge of a cliff. Suddenly, the train jolted in the manner that trains usually jolt when "changing lanes." In my dream, however, I felt the train make a fluid transition over the edge and, at the same time as the jolt, crashed in the canyon.
My question is: How did I know "beforehand" to start dreaming about the train going over the cliff? Did it all occur simultaneously? (How bizarre!!)
Similar events occur in mornings when I dream that someone is yelling at me to get out of bed just moments before the phone rings.
Are there any books or study reports available on the subject.

Answer 1

Since neither the train nor the alarm are controlled by your dreams, the dream has accomodated the event after the fact. The dream "explains" the external event. Faster than thought.