Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome

Understanding the Mysterious Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome

Since 1977, more than one hundred Southeast Asian immigrants in the United States have died from sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), the mysterious disorder with an unusually high incidence among recently relocated male Laotian Hmong refugees. Despite numerous studies, medical scientists are yet to determine the exact cause of SUNDS, although toxicology, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, genetics, heart disease, metabolism and nutrition are among the possible causes considered. Medical opinion, however, does favor a relationship between intense stressors, as well as impairments of the electrical pathways and specialized muscle fibers that contract the heart, as a possible risk factor.

Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome and The Hmong Nightmare

Shelley Adler, a medical folklorist, believes that The Hmong Nightmare, a supernormal nocturnal experience that is part of Hmong traditional beliefs, may trigger sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome in male Laotian Hmong refugees. Originally denoted as the nocturnal visit of an evil being that threatens to take the life of its victim, The Hmong Nightmare holds great power among its believers. The traditional belief is the nightmare, which depicts trauma of war, migration, rapid acculturation and inability to practice traditional healing and ritual, may cause cataclysmic psychological stress to these male Hmong refugees. The nightmare can thus result in sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome.

Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.