Why do i wake up gasping for air?

Rule out sleep apnea: An important sleep disorder that involves waking up, gasping for air, and often also involves snoring is called obstructive sleep apnea. There is a temporary closing off of the airway during sleep that causes periods of no breathing and therefore involuntary waking. There are other conditions that can involve gasping, including waking from nightmares, night terrors, anxiety attacks, and others.

Sleep apnea: Please see your physician asap. If you awaken gasping for air, you probably are suffering from sleep apnea- stopping breathing for at least 10 seconds. Whether it is obstructive ( airway being blocked) or central ( no signal to breath) this lack of oxygen is very dangerous, as it can lead to strokes, heart attacks and death.