How does it really feel to die?

"Will I ever know that I died?"- that is the question i have wondered about quite frequently, while we will never know how does it feel to be dead(at least we will not be able to tell about it), here is the small article about what happens at the moment of death...

Every living individual is destined to encounter one shared experience: the enigmatic phenomenon of dying. It's a concept so familiar, yet one about which we know so little. The sensation of death has intrigued humanity since time immemorial and continues to challenge modern science. So, what does the experience of dying entail?

First, let's delve into the essence of death itself. Dying marks the cessation of all vital functions within the human body—where the heart, brain activity, and breathing all cease. While everyone's journey into death is unique, one undeniable fact is that once you've crossed that threshold, your life in this earthly vessel is over forever. But is this the universal truth? You've likely heard tales of individuals who have faced death and returned, describing glimpses of light at the end of a tunnel or the surreal sensation of observing medical professionals battling to revive them.

Humans possess a captivating yet apprehensive fascination with the concept of death. Much of this intrigue arises from our inability to grasp its full scope—the fear of the unknown, unsure of how unpleasant or agonizing the experience may be. Thanks to the relentless pursuit of knowledge by modern science, we are inching closer to unraveling the mysteries of what it feels like to die.

While most people prefer not to dwell on it, death isn't always a serene passage with loved ones by your side. Some individuals face more harrowing and excruciating fates, such as burning alive or drowning. Picture standing amidst a raging inferno; initially, the searing pain is excruciating, but as the fire gradually consumes your nerves, muscles, and cognitive functions, it intensifies. This torment continues until unconsciousness envelops you from oxygen deprivation, at which point you are either on the precipice of death or already departed. The agony alone would almost instantly lead to unconsciousness. But what if you felt like you were burning from within? For those who've described the sensation of inhaling water, it's akin to a burning sensation within the chest. Instinctually, humans avoid breathing underwater, but when drowning ensues, it invokes stress, panic, and discomfort due to the oxygen deficit. The struggle for air is exhausting, swiftly depleting your energy until water inundates your lungs, halting the oxygen transfer into your bloodstream. It's a rare and undesirable mode of demise.

In instances of swift, abrupt deaths, adrenaline plays a significant role in the physical sensations experienced. Simply put, faster deaths tend to be less painful. However, when death unfolds more gradually, a process known as 'active dying' takes hold. Over the course of hours or days, your senses begin to fade in a predictable sequence. Hunger and thirst are the first senses to vanish. Subsequently, you lose the ability to speak, followed by vision, hearing, and touch. Typically, hearing and touch linger as the last vestiges of perception. Remarkably, scientific research has unearthed evidence suggesting that, even in an unresponsive state, such as a coma or in the final hours of life, some individuals may retain the ability to hear. Does this imply that your mind remains active when you're deceased? The conventional time of death is registered when the heart ceases to beat, implying a cessation of blood flow to the brain, resulting in a gradual dimming of awareness and ultimately, demise.

However, several studies have indicated that brain activity persists even after the cessation of vital signs. Does this mean you remain cognizant when you're ostensibly dead? At the moment of death, you may find yourself trapped within your own body, with active brain cells, albeit briefly. Although this phase lasts only seconds, it's a peculiar notion that your body may expire while your brain endures. When the heart ceases to pump, diminished blood flow to the brain triggers tingling sensations, dizziness, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Your vision wanes, awareness of the surrounding world fades, and, after a time, you drift into unconsciousness and eventual cessation. Remarkably, one out of every five individuals whose hearts cease beating experience revival—commonly referred to as near-death experiences.

Near-death experiences offer glimpses into what dying may feel like. We're persistently seeking answers through scientific research and firsthand accounts, like Scott Drummond's, who clinically died for twenty minutes. During his experience, he saw a vivid vision of his life from birth to death, which altered his perspective on death itself. These experiences, however mystical they may seem, are personal, unverifiable encounters. The stories of individuals who've ventured close to death remain an invaluable source of insight.

In 1981, 28-year-old Scott Drummond embarked on a skiing trip to Utah with friends. An unexpected collision on the slopes led to a severe thumb injury, necessitating surgery. During the operation, something went awry, and Scott found himself observing the chaos from above, realizing that he had died. He recounted peacefully walking through a field of tall grass, approaching a brilliant white cloud. As he drew nearer, he suddenly watched a comprehensive video of his life, from birth to his moment of death. At that point, he was revived, having been clinically dead for twenty minutes. Remarkably, his fear of death had dissipated after this encounter.

Near-death experiences serve as our closest windows into the realm of dying, yet many questions persist. Regardless, we are relentless in our pursuit of understanding, whether through scientific inquiry or the narratives of those who've ventured to the edge of life. Death, a physical process that unfolds unpredictably, carries varying degrees of physical pain. While some deaths may undoubtedly be excruciating, others offer a peaceful transition. Diseases that cause suffering during life don't necessarily equate to a painful death. Most individuals facing serious diseases receive medications that alleviate symptoms, ensuring a tranquil and comfortable passage.

As one grows too feeble to cough or swallow, a curious phenomenon known as a 'death rattle' may emerge, characterized by unsettling sounds at the back of the throat. Although it may seem distressing, medical experts assert that the person experiencing this phenomenon is not suffering. In fact, it's believed that this rattling sound doesn't cause any discomfort.

Human nature compels us to unravel the enigmatic, explore the unknown, and solve the riddles of life. Our innate curiosity drives us to seek answers to mysteries, including that of death. While our understanding of what it feels like to die continues to evolve, the question of what lies beyond death persists. Could it be that, upon dying, we transition to another existence—a form that end ures through eternity? I guess we will figure out...