Why do people die in their sleep?

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!

Cardiac arrest

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.

Heart attack

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.

Arrhythmias

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.

Congestive heart failure

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.

Respiratory arrest

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 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.

Type 1 diabetes

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.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

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.

Medications

Some of the drugs that may lead to respiratory arrest during sleep (if overused) include stimulants, benzodiazepines, opiates, and sedatives.

Brain trauma

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

Falling asleep with food or a throat lozenge in one’s mouth can also lead to a similar situation, and, consequently, death.

Epilepsy

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 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.