Not exactly sleep apnea

Every now and then, and ever since I was a kid, I have such intense dreams (the kind that seem real) that I will literally hold my breath. It is not due to sleep apnea but because I am doing something in the dream that requires me to hold my breath (such as under water swimming).

I just had one again a few nights ago but it was because I was in some kind of trapped position in my dream that caused my breathing to slow and almost cease. I finally woke up when I felt myself become limp, and almost collapse, from asphyxiation. I woke up with literally slowed and labored breathing. I was beyond the panic state when I woke and just kind of slumped down... I thought I wouldn't catch my breath again!

Does anyone else suffer from this affliction? For some reason I'm not as concerned as I should be but I fear that one of these nights I may not wake up in time. This was the closest call I've ever had. I'm not sure if it's actual sleep apnea because it only happens very rarely and I get good sleep unlike a person with diagnosed SA. I don't have snoring problems unless I have a respiratory infection or an allergy flare-up and I usually wake up rejuvenated.