You’ve definitely heard accounts of people passing away while they were asleep, but have you ever pondered the reasons for such deaths? It should not come as a surprise that the majority of people pass away when they are asleep given that we spend around one-fourth of our lives in bed.
Sudden nocturnal death, while relatively uncommon, can occur as a result of a variety of factors, including stroke, seizure, sedative overdose, and, most frequently, sudden cardiac arrest, physicians say.
There is a huge gap between passing away suddenly (especially when there are no other health issues present) and passing away while unconscious in the later stages of a disease that ultimately proves to be fatal. We need to have a solid understanding of the differences between the two, as well as strategies for addressing them.
According to the findings of several research, there are a variety of reasons why people pass away while they are asleep. Some of them include the following:
Cardiac Arrest
This is one of the factors that contribute to the fact that so many people pass away while they are asleep. It’s possible that sleeping can put a burden on your heart. It would appear that cardiac problems follow a diurnal rhythm, with symptoms manifesting themselves more commonly in the wee hours of the morning and in the late hours of the night. Visit a physician as soon as possible if you suspect that you are experiencing a heart attack.
Arrhythmias
Another health issue that could result in death while a person is asleep is this one. When arrhythmias occur, the heart’s contractions may become irregular, excessively rapid, or too slow, which reduces the efficiency with which the heart pumps blood throughout the body. While people are asleep, arrhythmias are a frequent contributor to death. Always seek medical assistance to rule out any possible causes of the arrhythmias you are experiencing.
Heart failure congestive in nature
Additionally, this illness has been linked to the development of heart failure over time. Left-sided heart failure causes the right side of the heart to fail quickly, which leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs (which can cause shortness of breath, particularly while the patient is lying down), as well as peripheral edema (swelling in the feet and legs). If the heart is working beyond its capacity, then its ability to pump blood around the body may be impaired. In every instance, congestive heart failure needs to be treated before it can worsen into a more dangerous condition.
Stroke
A stroke can also be the cause of death when one is sleeping. A stroke that affects the brainstem can have a negative impact on a person’s ability to breathe, open their eyes, control their muscles, and be conscious. These strokes, which can occur while you are sleeping, have the potential to be quite harmful. Treating all instances of stroke as quickly as humanly possible will help you avoid consequences.
A Stoppage of Breathing
It is possible to die as a direct result of injury to the lungs, which are essential organ in the body. Pulmonary disease is typically a chronic condition, and it may take some time for the repercussions to become apparent. However, if a critical threshold is exceeded, there is a possibility that death will occur. Maintaining good lung health and seeking professional assistance when necessary will help you avoid all of these issues that can arise.
Source:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-people-die-in-their-sleep-4098302
