Brand new to this whole thing

I have a few questions, but I think I can find most answers by sifting through old posts, so I'll just ask this one that I have no clue about.

When I was younger, I had a nightmare (not a traumatizing or terrorizing one, but as a 9 year old, it scared the **** out of me). During most of my nightmares I had, I knew I was dreaming but could control nothing. All I could do was force my eyes open, and I'd be awake. During this dream, I knew I was dreaming, to an extent. I knew I could escape it by opening my eyes, but I didn't realize that it wasn't real because it was a dream. I tried opening my eyes, but it felt like they were already open (try opening your eyes as wide as possible, then attempting to force further to understand the feeling).

Now that I typed this, I realize I have a couple questions, lol.

1. Could someone describe the whole "knowing you're dreaming but not being able to control stuff?"
2. Could someone describe the part about being able to just open my eyes and end the dream
3 (and my biggest, and original question). What was the deal with not being able to open my eyes, and trying to, any explanation?

I'm sorry if these questions are in the wrong spots/stupid/been answered before, but any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Jason

1. If you have complete faith that you can control something in a dream, you can do it. Usually when you have fear it feels like you don't have control, so you will have trouble controlling the dream.

2. Simple, when it succeded you simply opened your eyes in real life, though I don't know much about sleep paralysis so maybe someone else can expound.

3. As said in number 2 I don't know much about sleep paralysis, but your body is paralised when in REM sleep (To avoid acting out your dreams). This is most likely why it is hard to open your real eyes. Though, I don't know why we can do it sometimes and not at others though.

(I used to do the same thing, though I never had problems. The worst I would have was the feeling that my eyes were glued shut and it would take a little extra effort)

EDIT: Wow, can't believe I forgot! Welcome to dreamviews! :D