Understanding How We Die Helpful Information for Caregivers and Family Memebers As the caregiver of family member of a seriously ill patient, it is important for you to know how the human body prepares for death. When you understand the process, you're better able to comfort your loved one and find peace of mind for yourself. This describes signs and symptoms that are common when a person nears death. It is only a guidline: each death is as unique as the person who faces it. Your loved on my experience all, some, or perhaps none of the symptoms we describe here. Likewise, there is no set timeline. For some patients, signs of impending death begin months before the actual event. For others, it may just be days. These changes are normal, natural ways in which the body prepares to die. They are not medical emergencies. The best responses are comfort-enhancing measures. Long Periods of Deep Sleep Your loved one may spend more and more time sleeping when his body's functions start slowing down. He may be difficult to arouse from sleep and he may spend most of the day and night in bed. His eyes could stay open even though he is asleep. Confusion As your loved one sleeps more, he may become confused about the time, place and persons surrounding him. While his attention is drawing inward, he may speak of seeing a place or people not visible to anyone else. Withdrawal or a Surge of Energy Your loved one may speak less than usual or may not speak at all. He may turn to face the wall or sleep in a fetal position. This is not a slight against family; his body and mind are preparing him to detach from his surroundings and relationships. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for someone near the end of life to "wake up" and talk clearly, ask for a favorite meal and actually show improvement in symptoms for a few hours or even a few days. Holding On  A dying patient may try to hold on to life if he senses you are having difficulty letting go. Some patients wait until certain people arrive to let go; others wait until they are alone. Assure your loved one that you will be all right and give him permission to let go when he is ready. Common Physical Signs Changes in Body Temperature Your loved ones body may become increasingly cold; especially the arms, hands, and legs. He may run a fever. You may notice that his skin looks bluish or blotchy. His body is decreasing blood circulation to the limbs to conserve it for his vital organs. Decreasing Bladder and Bowel Functions and Control As the body's organs slow, so does the need to eliminate waste. You may note a decrease in the ammount of the patient's urine, and its color could be unusually dark. Your loved one could eventually lose control of his bowel and bladder functions. Unusual Breathing Noisy breathing could occur if mucous collects in the throat. Your loved one's breathing patterns may change: there may be periods when he breathes very rapidly, or periods of up to a minute when he does not breathe at all. Restlessness As your loved one begins to draw inward, he may make repetitive motions such as pulling at bed linen or clothing. Loss of Appetite Food is necessary for health and well being because it provides energy to the body. As the body prepares to die, it no longer needs this fuel. Although it may be difficult for families to accept, it is normal for a dying patient's appetite to gradually decrease until it is lost altogether.