Is "strong dreams" a typical phrase in Russia?

I served (1876-1980) With the Soviet Armed Forces in Germany and I never heard the phrase, "Крепких снов." When I would pass through the frontier at night, I would often say, "спокойной ночи," to the young sentry. He would often reply, "вам тоже." since I was normally much older and senior in rank.

Searching for the term, "Крепких снов," I got many hits indicating that it is simply a wish for someone to have a deep sleep. Here is a funny Youtube video typical of many.

http://rutube.ru/video/f2184e68553790c4cf96956389c...

There were also many images of cats and babies in deep sleep.

I always thought of "спокойной ночи," as wishing someone a peaceful night, similar to the German, "Stille Nacht," possibly without sleeping. Крепких снов was new to me before reading it here, but it apparently it is a wish for someone to have a good night's sleep.

"Крепких снов" as farewell is absurd. In russian language сон singular can mean as sleep as dream, but if it used plural, it mean only dreams. Крепкий сон (deep sleep) mean sleep without dreams. It's healthy sleep, therefore, sometimes people wish it to night more often to children (because they still grow) and men (because a man associate with hard work), although it can used to any known person.

Probably, you seen ignorance as of russian language as of english language - it happen sometimes.