I used to have conscious dreams on occasion, about once every 2-4 weeks, back when I could sleep until very late in the morning on the weekends. These have mostly stopped since my son was born. Dream research has shown that dreams are more frequent and longer lasting towards the end of your sleep. One question I had was whether I could access any wisdom, secrets of the universe, or profound thoughts while conscious dreaming by talking to my dream people.
The key I discovered to becoming conscious while dreaming is to train yourself to habitually question whether you are awake or asleep. Each time you will be convinced that you are awake but the trick is to read something. If you cannot read because the text looks like hieroglyphics, then you can be sure you are dreaming. Below is one of my dreams...
...(conscious dream begins)... I am wondering around a small mountain town and ask myself if I am dreaming. I quickly look for something to read and, being unable to make sense out of a sign I was reading, realize I am dreaming. Suddenly I am completely conscious and the reality inside the dream increases 10-fold. I see color, I feel the wind, I feel a profound sense of freedom and want to go play. Then I remember my mission and realize that time is short. I search for the nearest dream person and soon spot a mechanic working under the hood of a nearby car. I run to him and tell him that I am dreaming. He frowns at me and seems confused (they always do this). I then ask my question that I had previously (before going to sleep) decided on. A question that would give understanding of one of the all-time great mysteries of the universe. Barely able to control my excitement I asked the mechanic, "What is the meaning of life?". The mechanic smiled and gave me a knowing look that radiated a confidence in the ways of the universe. 'At last!' I think to myself. At last I find a true wiseman in my very own dream. The mechanic turns back to his car, reaches inside the engine compartment, reaches deep inside, then turns back to me and says, "This is the meaning of Life!". I look at what he is holding in his hand and see a fan belt...(conscious dream ends)...
disclaimer -- This was a conscious or lucid dream and not an out-of-body experience. More information can be found at the Lucidity Institute.