Rainbowzz
Be careful, I have a TBI< and got sleep apnea.
I use a CPap now, after a sleep study.
I have what you describe almost exactly, if I sleep without it.
It's absolutely shocking. Terrible.
My neuro, ( a genius ) described it as the brain, realizing a alack of oxygen, forces you awake, then the gasping for air, and the nasty dreams, and on etc...

I would think that your doc would order a sleep study.
I also think, that you'd do best to follow their suggestions!

Pete
ASB