Sometimes people experience similar sensations when they have been out of body or "astral travelling" and they have a bit of a rough landing.

It could be that while you were out in dream land you had a short sleep apnea incident (which you may have at other times), so your higher self pushed you home fast so you could wake up and breathe. Are you known to snore or have any other symptoms of apnea...might be worth keeping an eye on it.

It might be worth doing a little reading about astral travel, it could help reassure you. The thing about hitting the ground seems like absolute rubbish to me.