Can someone explain this?

[azale]

From wiki & imdb

Wes Craven states that the film was inspired by several newspaper articles printed in the LA times on a group of Cambodian refugees and their children, who, after fleeing to America from Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime, were suffering horrific nightmares, after which they refused to sleep. Acting on medical advice, their parents encouraged them to do so. However, each of the children died in their sleep soon after, following the second dream. After Craven read the articles covering these events, he began writing the film.

Apparently the children were healthy. I've been in a high state of anxiety and likely have OCD or something, not because of this, but it certainly doesn't help. Can anyone here explain this? Is it just an urban legend with no basis in reality or can it be explained by some other medical condition?

 

[logical muse]

However, each of the children died in their sleep soon after, following the second dream.

How is it known that they had two dreams, and then died in their sleep? Did they wake up, say "I've had two dreams", go back to sleep and then die?

ETA: Oh, and welcome to the forums!

 

[azale]

Well, another snippet from IMBD said that they woke up with a scream after the second dream and died from a heart attack...

EDIT: Btw, this only scares me because it was in the LA Times...a supposedly reputable newspaper.

 

[baron]

I remember reading a paper on this a long time ago. Also something about a genetic defect (?) which caused certain families to be prone to nightmares that sometimes resulted in heart failure and death.

 

[logical muse]

This paper, http://www.hmongstudies.org/MaHSJ6.pdf, describes it in detail. The syndrome is called SUNDS, "Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome".

Google that phrase for more information.

 

[azale]

Stupid wiki & imdb...of course, leaving out the clinical name and the specific demographic it targets.

 

[logical muse]

I hope that helps you now.

 

[Gr8wight]

Stupid wiki & imdb...of course, leaving out the clinical name and the specific demographic it targets.

Hmmm. As both wiki and imdb contain only user contributed information, I'm not sure calling them "stupid" is an example of well aimed criticism...

 

[azale]

True, but I'm just so nervous about everything recently...I've got a serious anxiety disorder and that didn't help it. So I was just venting a little

 

[Stupendous Man]

Anxiety disorders can be treated by your doctor, or if not him, you can be referred to a specialist.
In the meantime, just drop by here if something bothers you and you can't find any information about it. Almost certainly, someone will know where to send you