Have you ever woken up to find you couldn't breathe?

Several times in the past few years I have woken up in the middle of the night and I couldn’t breathe. I don’t know why but I just couldn’t. When it happens I usually panic (wouldn’t you?! :P ) and thrash about in an attempt to catch a breath which eventually happens…
This is obviously a tad scary and I was wondering if it could be something potentially serious, or is my wind pipe trying to kill me?

Thanks!