Evie Summers
As people approach death, their bodies start to slow down, and they may sleep more. This could manifest as taking naps during the day, sleeping in front of the TV, or being in bed all day. This is because the body requires less energy to function, and food and drinks seem less necessary. In addition to increased sleep, other signs that death is near include decreased appetite, vital sign changes, and weakness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep | Increases, sleeping more than being awake |
| Appetite | Decreases |
| Energy | Decreases |
| Social Activity | Decreases |
| Consciousness | May be lost in the days or hours before death |
| Skin | May become pale, blotchy, bluish, thin, dry, flaky, cool to the touch |
| Breathing | Becomes irregular, may stop for several seconds at a time, rattling or gurgling sounds may be heard |
| Heart Rate | Becomes irregular and difficult to detect |
| Blood Pressure | Dips |
| Kidney Function | Stops |
| Bowel Movements | Become smaller and irregular |
| Urination | Becomes infrequent |
| Muscle Strength | Weakens |
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What You'll Learn
Increased sleep is a natural part of the dying process
The process of dying differs for everyone, and increased sleep is not always a sign of approaching death. For example, in the case of dementia, a person may display signs of approaching death for years. In addition, while a person who is dying may withdraw from activities and people, this is not always the case.
In the hours before death, a person will usually sleep a lot, and their breathing will become irregular. They may lose consciousness in the days or hours before death, and their skin will become cool to the touch.
If a person is caring for a dying loved one who is sleepy, they should make them comfortable and help them change position in bed every one to two hours. It is also important to keep their lips moistened with lip balm, as their appetite may decrease.
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Terminally ill patients may sleep more and eat less
Sleep patterns and appetite changes are two of the most common signs that death may be near. When a person is terminally ill, they may sleep more and eat less. This can be observed in the months, weeks, and days leading up to their death.
Sleep as a Sign of Approaching Death
Two to four months before death, a person may start taking afternoon naps. This progresses to both morning and afternoon naps, and then to sleeping in front of the TV in the evening. Eventually, the person may be in bed all day and asleep more than they are awake. This increase in sleep is a result of the body's decreasing energy needs as death approaches.
Appetite Changes as a Sign of Approaching Death
As the body needs less energy, a person's appetite gradually reduces. They may stop eating their usual meals and lose interest in their favourite foods. In the days before death, a person may stop eating or drinking entirely.
Other Signs of Approaching Death
In addition to increased sleep and decreased appetite, other signs that death is approaching include:
- Vital sign changes, such as irregular heartbeat and changes in breathing
- Weakness and decreased muscle strength, making it difficult to carry out small tasks
- Reduced circulation, causing the skin to feel cool and appear pale or mottled with blue and purple patches
- Decreased bowel movements and urination due to reduced food and fluid intake
- Withdrawal from activities and loved ones
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Dying patients may withdraw from activities and people they love
As a person approaches death, they become less active and their body needs less energy. This is reflected in a decrease in appetite and an increase in sleep. In the days leading up to death, their muscles may become weak, and they may be unable to carry out small tasks such as drinking from a cup or turning over in bed.
It is common for caregivers and family members to play significant roles in managing a dying person's pain. However, knowing how much pain someone is in can be difficult. Caregivers should watch for clues such as trouble sleeping, increased agitation, or crying. It is important to give as much pain medication as is prescribed by the doctor as pain is easier to prevent than to relieve.
It can be physically and emotionally demanding to care for a dying loved one. Caregivers should remember to take time for themselves and not feel guilty about it. Looking after oneself will help caregivers provide better care for their loved ones.
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Dying patients may experience delirium and restlessness
Several months before the end of life, a dying person may begin to sleep more than usual. This is a natural part of the dying process. As a person approaches death, their body's metabolism falls, and they become less active, requiring less energy.
Terminal restlessness, also called terminal agitation or terminal delirium, occurs in the days leading to death. People may feel anxious, become agitated, or show signs of cognitive decline. Terminal restlessness can be caused by a number of factors, including the medications used to relieve symptoms, organ failure, and emotional distress.
Pain medications such as opioids, steroids, and other painkillers can increase the risk of delirium, especially if organ failure is involved. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy are also tough on the body and can lead to restlessness in dying patients. Poorly managed pain can also lead to discomfort and make terminal restlessness worse.
Other factors unrelated to dying can also contribute to terminal restlessness, including bowel changes, brain swelling or tumors, certain medical conditions, and urinary retention and constipation.
Emotional changes as one approaches death can also lead to restlessness. These emotions can include anxiety, depression, fear, or guilt.
The management of terminal restlessness and delirium depends on the person and their symptoms. Consulting with hospice social workers, grief counselors, or spiritual leaders can help provide comfort and support during these final days.
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Increased sleep is a sign of the body shutting down
Increased sleep is a sign that the body is shutting down. Several months before the end of life, a dying person may begin to sleep more than usual. This is because, as you get closer to death, your body's metabolism falls, and it needs less energy. This is a natural reflection of changes in energy, as well as a desire to protect their final days and hours.
In the case of a person who is terminally ill, they may be in the hospital or receiving palliative care. It is important for their loved ones to recognize the signs that death may be near. These signs include decreased appetite, vital sign changes, weakness, and increased sleeping.
When a person is nearing death, they may start taking an afternoon nap in addition to their regular sleep at night. This progresses to both morning and afternoon naps, and then to sleeping in front of the TV in the evening as well. Eventually, the person is in bed all day and is asleep more than they are awake. This process can happen over a period of months or years, depending on whether the person has a disease or is just old.
As a person approaches death, their muscles can become very weak, and they may be unable to carry out small tasks that they were previously able to do, such as drinking from a cup or turning over in bed. Their breathing may also change speed, and they may make grunting, gurgling, or rattling noises when breathing. Their skin may feel cool to the touch and appear pale, with blue and purple patches.
It is important to make a dying person as comfortable as possible and to let them sleep. Help them find comfortable places to rest and encourage them to get out of bed to prevent sores. Offer them a blanket if they feel cold, and continue to speak to them in a calm, quiet voice as hearing is often the last sense that a person loses.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, increased sleep is a common sign that death is near. This is because the body needs less energy as it gets closer to death. This is especially true for people with a life-limiting diagnosis.
In the months or years before death, a person may begin taking afternoon naps. This can progress to both morning and afternoon naps, sleeping in front of the TV, and eventually being in bed all day.
If your loved one is sleeping a lot, it is important to make them comfortable and let them sleep. Help them change position in bed every 1-2 hours and continue to speak to them in a calm, quiet voice as hearing is often the last sense that a person loses.
