I think the term that describes this Paroxsymal nocturnal. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea refers to attacks of severe shortness of breath and coughing that generally occur at night. It usually awakens the person from sleep, and may be quite frightening. It is an acquired disorder that leads to the premature death and impaired production of blood cells. The disorder affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which protect the body from infection; and platelets.