I spent a bunch of time laying on the floor with my legs bent, and put my hand on my belly to feel it go up and down, started with a minute then progressed to a longer length of time.

Well,I have to say that totally cracked me up about freaking out about breathing during meditation. I can just see myself doing the same thing. I also find myself holding my breath when cold or stressed. I always held my breath while concentrating or my mind is fully engaged. Working on controlling it.

I have a lot of panic attacks so this sounds like me in a panic attack. Anxiety sucks! I use guided meditations for anxiety on www.youtube.com. If this is a new symptom you need to have it checked by the doc.

Intetesting you should mention the sleep apnea. I have always thought it could have something to do with it. Makes perfect sense, since that is what you do with sleep apnea. I have a severe case. I wonder if that is the connection between all of us...And why we hold our breath. Now it seems so simple to see...

I used to do it but have been working to learn to breath with my abdomen and not my chest. This has has become more natural and decreased the amount of time I hold my breath