Why do my reality checks fail exactly when I need them the most inside dreams?

I have been practicing WBTB for a few months now, and while I have had some incredible breakthroughs, I keep running into a frustrating wall. I perform reality checks constantly during my waking hours—checking my watch twice, staring at my palms, trying to push a finger through my desk—but when I finally become aware that I am dreaming, the logic part of my brain seems to just short-circuit. Last night, I literally stared at a clock with shifting, melting numbers and convinced myself it was just a fancy art installation rather than a dream sign. It is maddening! I feel like I am doing the work, but my dream self is just too gullible to accept the evidence. Does anyone else struggle with this 'dream logic' trap where your rational mind abandons you right at the finish line? I am curious if you have specific techniques for keeping that analytical edge sharp once you have entered the dream state. Is there a specific mental anchor you use to stop yourself from just going along with the surreal nonsense?