Although it's inevitable for each and everyone one of us, death is something that we'll avoid talking about at all costs.
But one end-of-life doctor has assured that dying can actually be a relaxing process, and really isn't anything to be scared of at all.
Watch a clip here:
Dr Kathryn Mannix is a palliative care physician who has worked in hospitals, hospices, and homes across the UK to help thousands of dying people live a high quality of life in their final days.
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Speaking to BBC Ideas about the process of dying, she assured that 'dying is probably not as bad as you're expecting'.
She pointed out that many people can't even bring themselves to say words like 'dead' or 'dying', and opt for other phrases like 'passed away' or 'seriously ill'.
Describing how this can leave people distraught, anxiety-ridden and confused when someone does pass away, Dr Mannix explained that 'it doesn't need to be like that at all'.
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Offering to help people 'reclaim the wisdom' surrounding dying, she went on to explain what 'normal dying' looks like.
"Dying, like giving birth, really is just a process. Gradually people become more tired, more weary. As time goes by, people sleep more and they're awake less.
"Families can learn when to give medicines and introduce visitors, but sometimes a visit might happen or a medicine might be due during that sleep. And that's when we can discover that a change has taken place. It's tiny but it's really significant."
She explained that, instead of being asleep, this means a person has become temporarily unconscious – though it may just feel like a really good sleep.
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"Lapsing into unconsciousness just isn't noticed by us when it happens. So as time goes by, people are awake less and asleep more, until eventually they're just unconscious all the time."
When someone is about to die, their heartbeat will weaken, blood pressure will drop and the skin will cool.
The low blood pressure will slow down someone's internal organs, and they will gradually reach an unconscious state.
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Their breathing will move from deep and slow to fast and shallow until eventually it becomes very shallow, and stops when the heart runs out of oxygen.
According to Dr Mannix, it's important to be able to identify the stages of ordinary dying to help loved ones understand what they're witnessing and feel less afraid during the process. It can also help people to identify complications and know when to alert medics if something might have gone wrong.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Health
Ali Condon