The Deep Dream Island was an epidemic that swept through both continents knocking out anything with the ability to properly dream. It plunged the victims into an endless sleep from which none could wake.
The Island
All of the creatures effected by the epidemic were transferred to a large island, noted to be something of a tropical paradise that none wanted to leave, thus effectively trapping them there. the few that did try were met with violent opposition by the various 'monsters' that would appear. eventually all grew too complacent and scared to try escaping, deeming it impossible, and falling further into the trap.
Breaking the Flow
This method of trapping continued to be effective, up until a single being stop up and stubbornly refused to stay confined. They battled their way to the center of the dream trap and was said to have defeated the great mass of energy holding all these people hostage, a nightmare that had run rampant. No one is sure what exactly happened, but the being never returned and everyone woke up.
Aging
While the dream itself was lasting and vivid to all the victims of the epidemic, it has since been far removed and warped from it's original source, severing as something of an old tale that no one really believes anymore.