While often glossed over in our day-to-day lives, death is a whole lot more complex than grim reapers and funerals. Enter the host of strange things our bodies do in our final stage of life, ones that seemingly defy all logical explanations.
From the 'Third Man' offering mountain climbers advice to similarities between Near Death Experiences and DMT, here are eight weird things that happen to humans as we approach death.
1
“As someone approaches end of life, they can experience what we call terminal hallucinations. This is when the individual sees, hears, or speaks to someone who is not there. It is often someone they knew who has already passed on. There is not much explanation for it, but it’s very real to the person experiencing it. Some people find these hallucinations, comforting, or at least they are not bothered by them, others become very distressed over them. If your grandmother is stressed over these events, talk with the hospice team about some medication that can help relieve her anxiety.”
2
“TIL about Third Man Syndrome. An unseen presence reported by mountain climbers and explorers during traumatic survival situations that talks to the victim, gives practical advise and encouragement.”
3
“The ‘Existential Slap’ is the experience a dying person has when they know, at a 'gut level' death is close.”
4
“The bodies of Tibetan Monks who die in deep meditation do not show the normal signs of death and do not decompose until sometimes weeks after death. This is called Tukdam.”
5
“TIL that 20-50% of all fatal hypothermia cases strip their clothes off before they finally freeze to death.”
6
“TIL about 'The Rally'-a phenomenon that occurs when a critical patient is expected to pass away in a few days. At some point during last days (and sometimes even the final day of life), they appear to be "all better," meaning they'll eat more, talk more, and even walk around.”
7
“Studies of people who have experienced 'clinical death,' but were revived, found a common theme of a "Near Death Experience." Research has suggested that the hallucinogen DMT models this NDE very similarly, suggesting that a DMT experience is like unto the final moments of an individuals life.”
8
“Anticipatory Grief is grief you experience before a person dies. It is common for children to feel about their parents or the family members of those with terminal illness.”
