I had a nightmare once that I woke up 3 times but I never actually did. Each time my nightmare continues to the next “check point” where the monste jump outout me again…and again…and again
If I can convince myself I’m dreaming, I can usually take control and ether change the dream or force my eyes open. Though a few times I’ve dreamed that I’ve woken myself up but I remain asleep. I give myself the levitation test. If I can float above the ground then I know I’m dreaming.
I avoided this very problem by taking the blue pill. Or was it the red pill? I’d better call Morpheus for verification, just to be on the safe side. :o)
I have tried to force myself awake in such nightmares, and all I was able to do was to dream that I woke up. I have even had dreams where I woke up several times, but I was still dreaming. I remember running away from a monster, while yelling at him, “this is just a dream!” The best thing to do is to try avoiding nightmares. Everyone is different, but I have nightmares if I am on medication, have been drinking, or if I am unusually stressed.