The leading causes of death vary around the world, but some of them have one thing in common: they manifest while the person is asleep. To go to bed and never wake up again can be a disconcerting thought, but dying during sleep may actually be a peaceful way to go.
People from all over the world die in their beds every night, but what are the main causes, really? In this gallery you’ll get to know them. Click on for a real discovery!
The most common reason why people die in their sleep is because their heart stops. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCD) at night while asleep (aka nocturnal death) is often associated with other medical conditions. According to a 2021 study, 22% of SCDs during nighttime hours occur between 10pm and 6am. In addition, the study found that women were more likely than men to suffer these.
Myocardial infarction, best known as a heart attack, occurs when a blood vessel that supplies the heart becomes obstructed. These can range from minor events to cardiac arrest, and consequently death. Serious heart attacks can also reduce blood flow to the brain and affect breathing, which can subsequently lead to respiratory arrest.
Irregularities in the heart’s electrical signals affects the organ’s contractions. If the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, this can lead to a number of problems. Atrial fibrillation can, for instance, lead to blood clots in the heart.Other arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, may not allow for the body to receive enough oxygenated blood. Indeed, arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest during sleep.
Congestive heart failure is a long-term condition that affects the heart’s capacity to pump blood. In severe cases it may lead to cardiac arrest. For instance, heart failure can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and peripheral edema (feet and legs swelling), and consequently lead to respiratory arrest and death.
A stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain, causing a blockage or a blood vessel to burst.Strokes can have a severe impact on breathing, muscle control, eye opening, and consciousness, making them potentially fatal when they occur during sleep.
Our lungs are responsible for breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. When this gas exchange mechanism is compromised, a lot can go wrong. Respiratory failure may occur as a result of this gas imbalance. When oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide levels rise, we can die. Respiratory arrest can also be caused by a myriad of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis, to name a few.
Night-time fluctuations in blood sugar may lead to death during sleep. Monitoring blood glucose levels during sleep may not be possible, and a drop may, in some cases, be fatal.The factors that lead to about 5% of diabetes-related deaths of young patients during sleep remain unknown. This phenomenon is called dead in bed syndrome (DIB). The culprit may be hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), but the exact reasons remain unknown. Those under 40 are at higher risk of DIB.
High levels of carbon monoxide accompanied by poor ventilation can lead to death by asphyxiation. Carbon monoxide poisoning usually comes with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. But when one is asleep, the symptoms won’t be felt. It just takes a few minutes for carbon monoxide to enter the bloodstream and decrease the amount of oxygen that supplies the body’s organs, leading to heart failure and respiratory arrest.
Certain medications can lead to death during sleep. This is especially true for drugs that affect breathing. An overdose of these or mixing them with other drugs can be fatal. Some of the drugs that may lead to respiratory arrest during sleep (if overused) include stimulants, benzodiazepines, opiates, and sedatives.
Trauma to the brain can lead to death, and this can happen while the person is asleep. Brain trauma usually manifests through a range of symptoms, including headaches and nausea. Going to bed with brain trauma can be fatal, as a brain hemorrhage may occur. Around 30% of all injury deaths in the United States are caused by traumatic brain injury, according to the Brain Trauma Foundation.
Choking to death is possible during sleep. Choking on one’s vomit can lead to asphyxia. This may be caused by a seizure, or after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. Falling asleep with food or a throat lozenge in one’s mouth can also lead to a similar situation, and, consequently, death.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a cause of death that affects one in 1,000 people with epilepsy every year in the US alone. SUDEP is often used to register epileptic people who die of unknown causes. These individuals often deal with uncontrolled seizures. It has been theorized that breathing and/or the heart may become interrupted during such seizures. SUDEP occurs frequently during the night, so it’s also a reason why people die during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on its own is not usually fatal, though in rare cases it may lead to asphyxiation. OSA can, however, trigger and exacerbate a number of health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure. All of which may lead to death.
There are other sleep disorders that may lead to death. Sleepwalking, for instance, can put the person in a dangerous situation where death may occur (e.g. falling, walking into traffic, etc.). Pseudo-suicides may also occur. This is when people with sleepwalking take their own lives. According to a 2003 study, these are a “unfortunate, but unintentional, consequence of sleep-related complex behaviors and therefore are without premeditation, conscious awareness, or personal responsibility.”
