can't take a deep breath

I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like I was starving for air and couldn't take a deep breath and then got anxious.  No pain, just a feeling that I wasn't getting enough air.  It was 2:27AM.  The only way I thought I could get a breath was to yawn and I couldn't do that---so I got more anxious.  I tried talking to myself and trying to just breath slowly and finally I could yawn and then I felt better for  awhile.  I was able to go back to sleep and woke up a few more times with the same thing.  Finally it was time to get up and the whole day I've had this pain in my chest---maybe it's from trying to catch that deep breath.  It's still going on and I'm afraid to go to sleep tonight.  I don't think I'm anxious about anything---but don't know what's going on.    Does anyone know what's happening? 

Hi Aussieangel,

No I don't snore---at least no one has ever said that I did....So I'm not sure if that's part of it.  Thanks for the idea though.  I a grateful to say that I did go to sleep and I did wake up this morning in pretty good spirits---so I guess whatever it was passed.  Sometimes it's exhausting to be me.

Hi, Kitt has already asked what I was going to ask.  Sleep Apnea can cause this to happen.  This has happened to me in the past (waking up gasping for air), but it's usually related to anxiety in my day.  Perhaps you are having nightmares or are unaware of something worrying you??? Sorry to be of little help! I suggest you talk it through with your doctor and try not to worry too much about going to sleep (the more you worry.....well you know!!! The less you sleep)