When one learns to view the three states on the based on the source, from where the mind rises and subsides the truth will start revealing itself, which leads to self-awareness.

When the self, which is in the form of consciousness becomes aware of its formless non-dual true nature in the midst of duality it is self-awareness. In self-awareness the self is fully aware of the fact that, the body, ego and the world (waking) are a mere mirage created out of itself. Thus in self-awareness the waking experience [our practical life within the practical world] becomes unreal. Same way as the dream becomes unreal when waking takes place. Until one is stuck with the reality of the waking experience the self-awareness is an impossibility.   Thus until one realizes the three states are mere mirage by tracing the formless substance and witness of the three states, and the formless substance and witness are one in essence, and that essence is consciousness, and consciousness is the true self ,  the wisdom will not dawn. Without wisdom self-awareness is an impossibility.   

If our judgment is based on waking entity than it leads us to intellectuality and intellectuality is individuality.  The self, which is formless consciousness, is not an individual because it pervades all the three states as its formless substance and witness. Thus there is necessary to realize the fact that, the self is neither the waking entity not the dream entity but the formless substance and the witness of all the three states.  

Thus our understanding and realization have to be based on deeper self-search without any yardstick of any teaching or teachers or path. When one learns to view the  three states on the based on the source,  from where the mind rises and subsides the truth will start revealing itself, which leads to self-awareness.