Why Do Some People Pass Away in Their Sleep? A Doctor Explains the Real Risks
The idea of passing away during sleep is something many people have thought about at least once. It’s unsettling — not exactly the kind of thought you want before going to bed. Still, understanding the risks can be empowering, especially if it helps you take steps to protect your health.
Medical experts say that while these events are rare, there are known medical reasons why they can happen. Here’s what doctors want you to know.
Fear of Sleep and Health Anxiety
Some people experience hypnophobia, an intense fear of falling asleep. This fear is often linked to anxiety about losing control or dying during sleep. When severe, it can disrupt sleep patterns, increase stress, and negatively affect overall health.
But is sleep itself dangerous? In most cases, no. However, certain health conditions and warning signs deserve attention.
Can Too Much Sleep Be a Warning Sign?
Sleep is essential for good health, but research shows that excessive sleep may sometimes be associated with underlying health problems.
Multiple large studies have found that regularly sleeping more than seven to eight hours per night may be linked to a higher risk of early death. According to research reported by The Guardian, sleeping ten hours per night was associated with a 30% higher risk of early mortality compared to sleeping eight hours.
A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Heart Association also found that long sleep duration was linked to:
- A 56% higher risk of stroke
- A 49% increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Doctors stress that long sleep itself may not be the cause, but rather a signal of existing health conditions.
Why Do People Die in Their Sleep?
In 2023, Dr. Milind Sovani of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust explained to Newsweek that deaths during sleep are most often related to heart, lung, or brain conditions.
One of the most common causes is sudden cardiac arrest. A 2021 study published in Heart Rhythm found that approximately 22% of sudden cardiac deaths occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Dead-in-Bed Syndrome and Diabetes
Dr. Sovani also points to a rare but recognized condition called Dead-in-Bed Syndrome (DIB), which affects some people with type 1 diabetes.
In these cases, an individual goes to sleep appearing healthy but does not wake up, often due to dangerously low blood sugar levels during the night. Younger adults with type 1 diabetes, particularly those under 50, appear to be at higher risk.
The reassuring news is that this condition is very uncommon, accounting for roughly 6% of deaths in people under 40 with type 1 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.
Sleep Apnea and Rare Medical Conditions
Untreated sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, can increase the risk of serious complications, including heart rhythm disturbances. Doctors recommend evaluation through overnight sleep studies, and many patients benefit from treatment with CPAP therapy, which helps maintain steady breathing during sleep.
Dr. Sovani has also described treating a patient with Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder in which a missing enzyme causes harmful sugar buildup in cells. The condition leads to progressive muscle weakness and can be fatal if not diagnosed early. In this case, the patient passed away in his sleep, highlighting the importance of early medical detection.
Other Conditions That Increase Risk
Several additional health issues may raise the risk of dying during sleep, including:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Diaphragmatic paralysis, which impairs breathing when lying down
- Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), particularly in people with poorly controlled seizures
For some heart conditions, doctors may recommend devices such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators to help regulate heart rhythm.
Head Injuries and Nighttime Risk
Severe head trauma can occasionally lead to fatal complications during sleep. Symptoms like worsening headaches, nausea, or changes in pupil size should never be ignored. While it is often safe to sleep after a concussion, doctors stress the importance of medical evaluation first to rule out internal bleeding.
Is Dying in Your Sleep Painful?
Whether someone experiences pain depends entirely on the cause. Some individuals pass away peacefully without awareness, while others may briefly wake up and feel distress, especially in cases involving breathing problems or cardiac events.
The Bigger Picture
While the topic is frightening, doctors emphasize that unexpected death during sleep is rare, especially without a known medical condition. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic illnesses, attending regular medical checkups, and paying attention to warning signs can significantly reduce risk.
Life is fragile, but it’s also meant to be lived fully. Taking care of your health allows you to focus on what truly matters — meaningful moments, strong relationships, and making the most of each day.
