Everything that happens to your body right before you die

Although sometimes death can be sudden, your body still goes through a number of stages before your life ends.

No one likes to think about dying; the idea of leaving behind loved ones or getting sick to the point that you're no longer yourself isn't exactly a cosy autumn thought.

But the truth is, death is the one thing we all have in common. You've heard the saying 'death doesn't discriminate,' and that also applies to the way our bodies shut down before we're shuffled off this mortal coil.

We're not always able to prepare for our untimely death, but if you're able to, there are signs you can look out for to prepare yourself.

From changes in skin, to sleeping habits and energy levels in the weeks leading up the final bow, having some semblance of what to expect can help quell any anxieties and fears.

But when it comes to what your body goes through physically, there are stages that mark the moment as your body stops trying to survive.

What happens to your body right before you die?

There are certain steps your body takes before it dies (Getty Stock)

A scary thought, but your body's natural instinct to survive stops trying, and with it, everything that previously kept you alive begins to shut down.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, you stop breathing, then your heart stops beating which is followed by your brain turning itself off and all your viral organs shutting down. Liver, kidneys and the like stop functioning and everything else goes with it.

The process of living is no longer something your body can achieve and dying is, in fact, your body's final act.

Cheerful stuff.

How long can this take?

I don't know about you, but when I die I want it to be quick and pain free. Obviously, I have no control over that - unless I make a trip to Switzerland or the Euthanasia Bill passes here in the UK - but the idea of a slow, painful death is not a comforting thought.

If you end up suffering from a heart attack, as sad as that would be, death can occur within minutes. However, if you suffer from one of the many chronic illnesses out there, death can be a long, arduous process.

What can happen to your body in the weeks leading up to your death?

The amount of time it takes depends on whether or not the person was suffering from a chronic illness or not (Getty Stock)

As we say, signs of death can manifest themselves weeks - or even months - before it actually happens. Some of the other physical signs to look out for when someone is close to death are:

• Sleeping more
• Noisy or slow breathing
• Cold spots
• Mottled skin
• Change in skin colour

For those who are worried that they're already noisy breathers, don't threat, as it would need to be accompanied by a specific rattle/noise that wasn't already present.

This list relates to those who are already close to death, so don't think having cold hands or sleeping more means you're close to the end if you're otherwise fine.

One of the scariest elements of dying is, for those who have been feeling the symptoms of death for the weeks prior, they'll get a sudden burst of energy that makes you think you've overcome whatever it was plaguing you.

Unfortunately, this is a false sense of security your body is luring you into, as it will be followed by a sudden energy crash that will ultimately leave you feeling worse.

And then, of course, we all know what follows.

Drink, anyone?