A new theory proposes a link between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and dreams, suggesting that infants may stop breathing while dreaming of being in the womb, where breathing is unnecessary. However, this theory raises questions about infant memory capabilities, as infants lack long-term memory and the ability to recall experiences from the womb. Critics argue that the hypothesis is unlikely, pointing out that existing theories on SIDS focus on issues such as temperature regulation and respiratory function. The discussion highlights that SIDS may occur more frequently during REM sleep, a stage associated with dreaming, where voluntary movements and temperature regulation are diminished. It is suggested that infants who experience SIDS may have underdeveloped brain areas responsible for regulating temperature and respiration, making them more vulnerable during REM sleep. Overall, while there may be a correlation between dreaming and SIDS, the idea that dreaming directly causes SIDS is considered unreasonable.
