As morbid as it may sound, death is life’s only inevitability. And yet, most of us are too scared to even mention it, hurt by the very notion of losing a loved one, or having to accept their own mortality. In the right context, being open about our funeral plans and death-decisions is really important.
But for those still curious about the concept of dying, you’ve probably wondered what it actually feels like, whether we know it’s happening, and if those tales of seeing your whole life flash before you are true.. Experts over at Very Well Health have revealed all, after diving into the little research we have on this complicated subject.
The pros explain that there are many physical and mental change that take place when somebody is dying. This ranges from increased fatigue to confusion, as well as abnormal breathing and bladder changes. Of course, if you end up dying in your sleep or from a non-painful condition (or under the influence of medication) you may experience none of these ailments.
“It isn’t clear how long a person who is dying retains awareness of what is going on around them, but research suggests that some degree of awareness may remain even after the person slips from consciousness,” Very Well Health states. This claim is based on a 2014 study that interviewed 140 survivors of cardiac arrest – where the heart and breathing both stop.
Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter
“46 per cent had memories with seven major cognitive themes: fear; animals/plants; a bright light; violence/persecution; deja-vu; family; recalling events post-CA,” the study found. “Nine per cent had NDEs (near death experience), while two per cent described awareness with explicit recall of ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ actual events related to their resuscitation. One had a verifiable period of conscious awareness during which time cerebral function was not expected.”
Many people fall into a coma before they die. This deep state of unconsciousness may seem like your body has completely shut down – but you may still be able to hear and understand what is happening. “A 2020 study that investigated hearing in palliative care patients who were close to death provides evidence that some people may still be able to hear while in an unresponsive state,” Very Well Health added. “Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure the dying brain’s response to sound. The findings suggest that telling a person you love them in their final moments may register with them.”
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured
Sign up to FREE email alerts with news to brighten your day
