Is there a way to prevent death during sleep? 5 simple ways to watch out for the risks

New Delhi: Suffering a heart attack or a stroke, meeting with an accident, or succumbing to a major injury – death is one of the most dreaded incidents in a person’s life, and everyone hopes for a painless end. Amidst this, passing away in the sleep seems one of the most peaceful ways of passing away to some while others find it scary to pass out and never wake up again. According to experts, 90 per cent of the sudden, unexpected deaths at night are attributed to a cardiac arrest. Take a look at how this dreaded event can be avoided.

1. Watch out for sleep apnoea symptoms: Snoring is one thing but not breathing for short periods while sleeping – known as obstructive sleep apnoea – is one of the riskiest conditions associated with early death risk. This condition may raise heart attack or cardiac arrest risk. Although the condition is curable, 90 per cent of cases go undiagnosed. Snoring chronically is the prime symptom.
2. Never overlook chest pain: Chest pain is also one of the riskiest health crises there are. This one is directly associated with heart attack risk – a sensation of pressure, tightness, squeezing, and mild discomfort in the chest area. Do not ignore it, check with a doctor ASAP.
3. Get ample sleep: Not getting enough sleep could also contribute to health problems like diabetes, dementia, obesity, and heart woes. Therefore, it is recommended to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night.
4. Regular heart check-ups: A regular visit to a doctor to get heart health monitoring is one of the best ways to dodge the risk of diseases in the long run. Along with this, get ample workouts, eat healthy food and dodge alcohol and tobacco.
5. Be vigilant about medication: People on anti-depressants, sedatives or pain medication for conditions like heart or lung disease are more prone to death risk in their sleep. Therefore, it is advised to check with a doctor for ways to reduce the risk - like trying to change the time of medication or opting for a lighter dose before dozing off.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.