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Health reasons why people die while sleeping

According to Healthline, Sleep is an essential aspect of life, and it is a time for the body to rest and recuperate. However, some people die in their sleep, and this can be a devastating experience for their loved ones. There are several common reasons why people die while sleeping, and it is crucial to understand these causes to prevent such incidents from happening.

One of the common causes of death during sleep is heart disease. When a person has heart disease, their heart may stop functioning during sleep, leading to death. This can be due to several factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a family history of heart disease. Additionally, sleep apnea, which causes interrupted breathing during sleep, can increase the risk of heart disease and contribute to a heart attack.

Another common cause of death during sleep is a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain damage or death. During sleep, a person may experience a stroke without realizing it, and this can lead to death. This risk is higher in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is another cause of death during sleep, and it affects infants under one year of age. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal brain activity during sleep. Babies who sleep on their stomachs, have low birth weight, or are exposed to smoke have a higher risk of SIDS.

Sleep-related choking or suffocation can also cause death during sleep. This can occur due to several factors, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing briefly during sleep. Additionally, sleeping with pillows or blankets over the face can lead to suffocation, and this can be fatal.

Drug overdose is another common cause of death during sleep, and this can occur due to the use of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Overdosing on drugs can lead to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes shallow and may stop, leading to death. Additionally, some medications, such as sleeping pills, can cause excessive drowsiness and lead to death during sleep.

In conclusion, death during sleep can occur due to several factors, and it is crucial to understand these causes to prevent such incidents from happening. Heart disease, stroke, SIDS, sleep-related choking or suffocation, and drug overdose are some of the common reasons why people die while sleeping. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, seek medical attention for underlying health conditions, and follow safe sleep practices to prevent death during sleep.

Content created and supplied by: Healthday (via Opera News )

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