Similar to childbirth, death is a bodily process that progresses through stages and is recognizable. The speed of the process varies from person to person, and medical support may be necessary to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
As death nears, most people lose interest in eating and drinking, which is normal. Even if they are unable to manage full meals, a small taste may still be welcomed.
Dying individuals typically experience a lack of energy, similar to the extreme fatigue associated with severe illness or surgery recovery. While sleep normally recharges energy, it gradually diminishes as the body weakens towards death.
Waking hours decrease, and periods of unconsciousness become more frequent. People report feeling like they were peacefully asleep during these periods of unconsciousness.
If the dying person relies on regular medications, it may be necessary to switch to medications that do not require swallowing. Skin patches, syringe pumps, and suppositories can be used, as unconsciousness is usually caused by the dying process, not medication.
What happens in your last moments
As death progresses, the heartbeat slows, blood pressure drops, the skin cools, and the nails dull. Restlessness, confusion, and periods of deepening unconsciousness may occur.
There is no proven method to investigate what people experience near death, but recent research suggests that the unconscious brain responds to noise in the room. Breathing becomes automatic and may involve heavy, noisy breaths or breathing through saliva in the back of the throat without signs of distress.
Breathing cycles from deep to shallow, fast to slow, until it becomes slow and very shallow, eventually pausing and stopping altogether due to lack of oxygen.
Understanding common patterns of death and its stages can help companions feel less fearful and manage symptoms. Seeking medical attention when necessary is important. For more information, you can watch the BBC short film about death: BBC short film about death.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
