When you die, your body's vital functions cease: the heart stops beating, breathing ends, and brain activity halts. However, studies show that brain activity may continue for several minutes after clinical death, including a surge of high-frequency brain waves that might be linked to heightened consciousness or near-death experiences
. Biologically, death begins with the failure of organs, leading to a lack of oxygen in the brain and subsequent irreversible damage. After clinical death, the body undergoes decomposition stages such as autolysis and putrefaction, with muscles stiffening (rigor mortis) before eventually relaxing as tissues break down
. Scientifically, during the dying process, the brain releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which may ease pain and create feelings of calm or euphoria. A natural psychedelic called DMT might also surge, potentially contributing to vivid experiences reported near death
. From a spiritual or religious perspective, some beliefs hold that the spirit or essence of a person separates from the body and continues to exist in a spirit world or afterlife, awaiting resurrection or another form of existence beyond physical death
. In summary, death involves the cessation of bodily functions and brain activity, followed by biological decay, while near-death brain activity and chemical releases may explain some reported experiences at the end of life. Spiritual interpretations vary but often include the continuation of the spirit beyond physical death.
