MsRriO,

If you wake up gasping for breath, that is a good sign you have Sleep Apnea. Upper neck injuries can cause Central Sleep Apnea. I have it and have to be very careful about neck position when I sleep. Mention this to your doctor. Sleep Apnea can seriously delay your recovery, if not even make your symptoms worse. It can also make driving extremely dangerous. It can cause an almost narcoleptic like dozing during the day. A visual over-stimulation (flashing lights or bright oncoming lights) can cause one to quickly nod off. I have had times where I had to pull to the side of the road and nod off for 10 to 20 minutes before being able to drive on safely.