Sometimes, in fact pretty much every time I have a nightmare, or a boring dream, I realize I'm dreaming, and I force my eyes open. It takes a while to awaken properly because I keep opening my eyes and seeing my room and then slipping back into the dream. I feel a bit dizzy with it all, and then I say to myself 'You're dreaming, Move around, try harder' and eventually I awaken.

Other times I know I have to wake up in an hour or at a certain time, and it's as if I set the alarm in my mind and I say to myself. 'Ok it's time to get up now or you'll miss your appointment, open your eyes'
What exactly do you call this?

Another thing I notice is that around menstruation, I tend to have nightmares and really outrageous dreams. Any explanations?

Thanks if anyone can help!