You must have heard many times about how the moments before death are. But do you know that as the end of life approaches, some changes start taking place in the body. These changes occur gradually, often beyond our mental and physical control, making them difficult to understand. Although different individuals may have different experiences before dying, there are some common terrible feelings that are felt in the body before death, which we may not be able to notice. Here are five experiences that are often felt near the end of life:
1. Difficulty breathing and rapid breathing
As death approaches, significant changes occur in the respiratory system. During this time, the body begins to lack oxygen, causing vital organs to not function effectively. This can cause difficulty breathing. At this time the person may feel panic or drowning. The brain struggles to understand this crisis as organ failure intensifies.
2. Physical pain and spiritual distress
Close to death, the body begins to experience pain and discomfort as organ systems slow down. Blood circulation weakens, causing dizziness, weakness, and severe pain. This pain, however, is difficult to precisely identify. While it may be perceived as mental or spiritual suffering, it often remains beyond conscious perception.
3. Loss of muscle control
As the body weakens, muscle control begins to diminish. Limbs become stiff, and mobility may be limited as the nervous system deteriorates. This loss of control can cause significant mental distress, as the person may struggle to move or control his or her body.
4. Delusions and hallucinations
Mental changes near death, such as delusions or hallucinations, are common. This may manifest as confusion, panic, and strange thoughts. The person may feel as if he or she is walking down a dark tunnel or that something strange is happening in the world around him or her. These sensations are caused by mental and physical exhaustion and are often misinterpreted by the brain.
5. Spiritual or cultural experiences
Many people report spiritual experiences when approaching death, such as moving toward the light, seeing loved ones or reliving past memories. These sensations are often attributed to neurological and chemical changes in the brain during the final moments of life. While they may have cultural or religious significance, they are primarily the brain's response to the dying process.