They will also sleep more and more, and in many cases start to slip in and out of consciousness. The final stages of dying also tend to involve some distinctive, and sometimes distressing, changes in breathing.
One of the breathing rhythm changes is called Cheyne-Stokes breathing; a cycle of anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes where the dying person's breathing deepens and speeds up, then gets shallower and shallower until it stops.
Then there is a pause, which can sometimes stretch on so long that you think the person has stopped breathing altogether … before the cycle resumes. Unfortunately, not much can be done about either of these signs, but perhaps some comfort can be taken from the fact that there is little evidence either of them is a sign of distress or discomfort. As people near death, their limbs, hands and feet may get cold, and the colour of their skin may change from a healthy pink to a sallow, grey or mauve tinge.
Sometimes their skin can be clammy and their hair plastered down with sweat. While the dying person may be unresponsive, there is growing evidence that even in this unconscious state, people are aware of what is going on around them and can hear conversations and words spoken to them, although it may feel to them like they are in a dream state.
There is also evidence that people in this state are hypersensitive to touch, so soft, gentle physical contact is best. Sometimes death can deliver one last gift to loved ones who have been long denied meaningful interactions because of disease such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia or brain tumours. Terminal lucidity, or 'lightening up' was first described in the medical literature as early as It refers to a period of awareness or consciousness, sometimes a complete return to form and personality in someone who may have been gone — to all intents and purposes — for many years.
They may recognise close family members for the first time in a very long period. They may also crack a joke, smile and interact as if they had never left.
It heralds that death is imminent, but can offer people a last precious glimpse of the person they love. Many people and studies have also reported the dying apparently being visited by and having animated conversations with unseen people in the room. Sometimes they appear to be talking to a loved one who has long since died — a parent, partner, or sibling.
Getting the right emotional and spiritual care and support is important. The person's nursing team — including your Marie Curie Nurse if they had one — can help. They can also arrange further bereavement support, so that you do not have to cope with their feelings alone. Find out more about getting support when someone dies.
Dying Matters — information about death and dying. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland. We'll use the results of this survey to understand how our information helps people and how we can improve it. See our full privacy policy. We may also use your comments anonymously for marketing purposes. We won't be able to respond to your comments.
If you want to speak to someone or have any questions, please contact our Support Line. This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used. Published date: 23 September Review date: 23 September Home How we can help Information and support Living with a terminal illness Final moments of life Final moments of life Thinking about the last hours and moments of life is hard, but knowing what to expect may ease some of the worries you may be having.
On this page:. Loss of consciousness Changes to skin Noisy breathing Shallow or irregular breathing Film: What to expect at the end of life. For friends and family: what you can do Moment of death Choosing the moment to die What to do when someone has died. Loss of consciousness Many people lose consciousness near the end of life. Changes to skin Their skin might look slightly blue or become mottled have different coloured blotches or patches. Noisy breathing Breathing may become loud and noisy if mucous has built up in the airways.
Shallow or irregular breathing As the moment of death comes nearer, breathing usually slows down and becomes irregular. Why do eyes open at death? How do you know when death is hours away?
How do you know when death is imminent? What happens right after you die? What happens just before death? What does dying feel like? Why do dying patients moan? How long after a person stops eating before death occurs? Can a dying person cry? What is the last breath before death called? What is the difference between Kussmaul and Cheyne Stokes?
What is the lowest BP before death? What happens in the final moments before death? What are the signs of last days of life? Common symptoms at the end of life include the following:. Does a person know they are dying? What do they do at the hospital with a dead body? Similar Asks. When giving rescue breaths to a child you should give 1 breath about every?
When giving rescue breaths to a child how should you breathe into the child? How long should you look for movement and check for breathing and a pulse following the first 2 minutes of rescue breathing? What is the difference between breathing at rest and speech breathing in terms of inhalation and exhalation? Popular Asks. Blankets over your hands and feet can keep you warm. Your skin may look slightly blue because of a lack of oxygen in your blood.
This is known as cyanosis. Find more information about the last hours and days of life, including advice for carers and relatives. Page last reviewed: 15 October Next review due: 15 October Changes in the last hours and days - End of life care Secondary navigation What is end of life care?
What end of life care involves What to expect from end of life care Where you can be cared for Care at home Care in a care home Being cared for in hospital Hospice care Coping financially NHS continuing healthcare. Why plan ahead Advance statement about your wishes Advance decision: living will Lasting power of attorney.
Coping with a terminal illness Managing pain and other symptoms Starting to talk about your illness Changes in the last hours and days Withdrawing treatment.
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