Sleep Apnea

My father died at 48 from apnea. He was drinking and had a afternoon nap. Never coughed himself awake. Be real careful if your drunk with apnea.

What you're describing doesn't necessarily sound like sleep apnea. From what I know, a quick deep breath or cough and you should be breathing normally again. I don't want to alarm you, but it sounds like you should probably seek out a doctor and get a referral to a respiratory specialist if the doctor is stumped by your symptoms.