In addition to increased brain activity, a key feature of the dying process is the release of neurochemicals and hormones that shape our final experiences.
Endorphins, the body’s natural opiates, are released in large amounts during times of stress or severe psychological trauma, including at the time of death.
They act to reduce pain and induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, potentially reducing the physical and emotional distress associated with death.
Increased endorphins may contribute to the peaceful, pain-free experiences often reported by people who have died and been revived, even if they suffered serious physical injuries before death.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and perception, is also believed to be released in large amounts during the dying process.
Increased serotonin levels can lead to altered states of consciousness, including visual and auditory hallucinations. This is the mechanism underlying hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin, or “magic mushrooms.”
Increased serotonin may explain the vivid imagery and profound spiritual experiences reported by some people during near-death situations.
It is also thought that a large release of DMT occurs at the time of death. DMT is a potent psychedelic compound that is naturally produced in small amounts in the human brain, particularly in the pineal gland.
The effects of DMT include profound changes in perception, feelings of transcendence, and encounters with mystical beings, which closely mirror descriptions of NDEs. (NDEs, or near-death experiences, often involve profound emotions and altered states of consciousness that can vary greatly from person to person. Common descriptions include experiencing a vast emptiness, a sense of isolation or loneliness, and even a sense of doom. Some NDEs are characterized by feelings of euphoria, light, or encounters with deceased loved ones, while others may present darker themes of helplessness or despair. These experiences transcend cultural boundaries and contribute to the debate about consciousness and the possibility of the soul continuing to exist after death.)
Finally, because the body is under extreme stress at the time of death, there is a significant release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
These hormones are responsible for responding to threat, increasing heart rate and blood pressure in an effort to preserve life.
This surge may lead to heightened awareness and rapid processing of information, potentially contributing to the phenomenon of life review reported by some people, where they experience a rapid replay of life events.
