Wake up gasping

[msturtle]

My 22 yr old daughter says recently she wakes up shortly after falling asleep gasping for breath.  She says it's like she needs to remember to breathe and then everything is okay.  She said it happened 4 times last night but only after she had been asleep for a short time.  She doesn't notice the problem deep in her sleep pattern.

[College_Woman34]

I have the same problem, and have to sleep with pillows under my bed, i have been to Doctor after Doctor and no one seems to have an answer or care that I am suffering.  If anyone has info or a possible diagnosis please let me know.

[jkfrench]

I have this exact problem too.  It happens a couple of times a month.  I alway look at the clock because it is always withing 30 minutes of laying down and falling asleep.  I wake up with a few short gasps.  Sometimes I think I'm not breathing and have to find that deep breath to start up again.
I think it might be anxiety.  I've never had this happen during my deep sleep either.  Just when I am drifting off.
Frenchie