What Science Tells Us About the Experience of Dying

Death is a universal experience that touches every life, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. Did you know that a person’s sense of hearing is often the last to go during the dying process?¹ 

As we navigate through life, the thought of our own mortality can be both frightening and intriguing. While it’s a topic many of us avoid discussing, understanding what happens during the final stages of life can bring a sense of peace and acceptance.

There’s four main things that happen.

1. The Physical Changes: A Gradual Slowing Down

As death approaches, the body undergoes a series of changes. The heartbeat and blood circulation slow down, causing the brain and organs to receive less oxygen. Breathing becomes irregular, and the skin may turn pale or mottled. In the days leading up to death, people often feel tired and may sleep for longer periods. 

Appetite decreases, and weight loss is common. ^(ref)

Other physical changes include urinary and bowel changes, with urine output decreasing and becoming dark brown or red and stools becoming hard to pass due to decreased fluid intake and weakness. Vision changes are also common, with the dying person experiencing difficulty seeing well.

As the body’s vital functions slow down, the dying person’s temperature may drop, and their skin can feel cold or clammy to the touch. Vital signs like pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure may become irregular or unpredictable as the organs work to keep the person alive.

2. Emotional Rollercoaster: Navigating the Final Feelings

The emotional journey towards death is complex and unique to each individual. Some may experience a mix of grief, anger, fear, and sadness. Others find a sense of acceptance and peace. 

It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed during this time, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals can help.^(ref)

Grief is a common emotion, as the dying person mourns the loss of the life they expected and the things they have already lost, such as strength and independence. Anger is also a normal part of the grieving process, with few people feeling ready to die. Fear of the unknown, suffering, pain, and what happens after death can be overwhelming.

Some people may also experience regret or guilt over things they have done or not done in their lives. While the past cannot be changed, this time can be used to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and strengthen relationships with loved ones.

3. The Spiritual Realm: Visions & Dreams

As the veil between life and death thins, some people report profound spiritual experiences. End-of-life dreams and visions of deceased loved ones are common and often described as comforting and reassuring. These experiences, sometimes called deathbed visions, are seen as a way of easing the transition from life to death.^(ref)

Spiritual experiences at the end of life seem to be independent of the person’s previous religious affiliation but may be more common in those who have had prior spiritual or mystical experiences. However, not all spiritual experiences are positive, with some patients reporting visions of darkness or fear.

Approaching death seems to be associated with a transformation of perception from an ego-based pre-transition state to an ego-distant post-transition state of consciousness. This transformation is characterized by altered awareness of time, space, and the body, as well as changes in social connectedness.

4. The Final Moments: A Peaceful Transition

In the hours before death, most people enter a state of deep sleep. Breathing becomes shallow, and the pulse weakens. As the body shuts down, there may be a release of bowel or bladder. For many, the final moments are described as a peaceful letting go, a gentle slipping away into the unknown.

Even as the body transitions into unconsciousness, research suggests that the dying person may still be able to feel comforting touches from loved ones and hear them speaking. Touch and hearing are thought to be the last senses to go when we die.

While the thought of dying can be frightening, understanding the process can bring a sense of comfort. By openly discussing death and supporting each other through the end-of-life journey, we can create a more compassionate society that embraces the beauty and mystery of life’s final chapter.

Source:

1. Science Daily