Why is it when im about to fall asleep i wake up and start gasping for air. is this stress and anxiety?

? sleep study: Most likely, a trigger occurs causing this. Could wonder about a panic attack, a reaction to myoclonus as you fall asleep, post-nasal drip from sinuses, GERD, RLS. Doubtful you have sleep apnea due to age. Need to sort out, so, get a virtual consult, and decide whether a sleep study would be next step. (overnight pulse oximeter study might suffice?). Get basic evaluation and then proceed.