The thought of dying in your sleep has probably crossed your mind more than once. It’s a terrifying idea — one you’d rather not dwell on before closing your eyes at night.
But at the same time, it might be good to know if you’re at risk so you can take steps to prevent it. Let’s see what experienced doctors have to say:
Hypnophobia is the overwhelming fear of falling asleep, often fueled by the fear of losing control or even dying during sleep. For some, this fear becomes so intense that it disrupts their quality of life and takes a toll on their health. But what’s behind this fear, and is there any truth to the idea that sleep could be dangerous?
Let’s explore why some people die in their sleep and what you should know about the risks.
Oversleeping
Did you know that sleeping too much could be problematic? Over the years, a lot of research has been conducted on sleep, and many people still believe that getting plenty of it is always good for the body. But if you’re sleeping more than seven to eight hours a night, you might want to pay attention—it could be a warning sign.
Researchers have discovered a link between excessive sleep and an increased risk of early death, according to The Guardian.
Sleeping ten hours a night raises your risk of dying early by 30% compared to someone who sleeps eight hours. This was revealed in a 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Heart Association.
Additionally, sleeping ten hours is associated with a 56% higher risk of dying from a stroke and a 49% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.
Why people die in their sleep
In 2023, Dr. Milind Sovani from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in the UK shared some insight with Newsweek about the mystery of dying in one’s sleep. According to Dr. Sovani, these sudden and silent deaths are “usually related to the heart, lungs, or brain.”
People can die in their sleep for various reasons, with sudden cardiac arrest being one of the most common causes. A 2021 study in Heart Rhythms found that about 22% of these deaths happen between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Dead-in-bed syndrome
Dr. Milind Sovani highlights another risk factor for dying in your sleep: ”Occasionally, people with diabetes can die in their sleep from low glucose levels,” he explains.
There’s even a term for this tragic phenomenon — Dead-in-Bed Syndrome (DIB). This term refers to cases where someone with type 1 diabetes (T1D) goes to bed seemingly healthy but doesn’t wake up.
Younger individuals with type 1 diabetes, especially those under 50, are at a higher risk of experiencing Dead in Bed Syndrome.
The good news is that DIB syndrome is rare, accounting for only about 6% of all deaths in people under 40 with type 1 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.
Pompe Disease
There are also more complex and less common medical conditions that can lead to someone dying in their sleep. For instance, sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can sometimes result in fatal complications if left untreated.
If you’re worried about having involuntary sleep interruptions, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. There are tests you can do overnight. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may be able to treat it with a device called a CPAP machine. This machine uses a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece to provide constant, steady air pressure to help you breathe while you sleep.
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Dr. Sovani once treated a patient with Pompe Disease, a rare genetic condition where glycogen — a complex sugar—accumulates in the cells of the body, specifically in the lysosomes, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. This happens when the body lacks an essential enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). The disease leads to severe muscle weakness and wasting, and if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can be fatal.
Sadly, the patient, who was in his late 30s, passed away in his sleep. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by undiagnosed genetic conditions and the importance of early detection and treatment.
Diaphragmatic paralysis
Conditions like unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, where one side of the diaphragm doesn’t work, can make breathing harder, especially when lying down. Dr. Sovani points out that this can mess with your lung capacity, which can lead to complications.
Another thing to watch out for is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is more common for those with uncontrolled epilepsy. Essentially, a seizure can cause problems with breathing or heart rhythm, as the CDC explains.
On top of that, high blood pressure that’s not under control, heart failure, and sleep apnea — which causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night — can all increase the chances of dying in your sleep. It’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re dealing with any of these conditions.
”If you suffer from a heart condition, you may also be fitted with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator,” Dr. Sovani adds, which help regulate your heartbeat.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising—along with regular check-ins with your doctor, can also play a big role in preventing these conditions from getting worse.
Concussion – be aware of this
If you’ve hit your head hard or experienced significant trauma to your head, it’s important to keep an eye on things. Severe brain injuries can sometimes lead to sudden death, often while a person is asleep. Symptoms like nausea, constant headaches, or dilated pupils can sometimes be missed or brushed off after a head injury. If someone tries to ”sleep off” these symptoms, they could end up having a brain bleed during the night and passing away.
It’s generally okay to sleep after a concussion, but it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room first for an evaluation.
Is it painful to die in your sleep?
Whether dying in your sleep is painful or not really depends on what causes it. Some people pass away peacefully, not feeling any pain or even realizing what’s happening.
But for others, they might wake up for a moment and feel some distress before they pass. Conditions like a heart attack or trouble breathing can bring pain before death.
The thought of dying suddenly in your sleep is terrifying, and it’s something none of us want to imagine. But it’s important to remember that it’s rare to pass away unexpectedly without having been diagnosed with a serious condition.
While there are risk factors that could increase the chances of dying in your sleep, don’t forget to live. Life is precious, and it’s the moments we share, the love we give, and the memories we create that truly matter. So, take care of yourself, cherish those around you, and live fully—because each day is a gift.
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