What does it feel like to die? Evidence suggests a surprising answer

Death is often peaceful and tranquil, contrary to popular belief.

What does it feel like to die? This is a question that everyone has, but few people can answer. Now, a growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests the process is death isn't something we need to fear.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Most people are afraid of death. It's an understandable fear, given our limited exposure to it. We insulate our children from death, sometimes even lying to them about what has happened to a loved one. We see death on television, and since television is intended to be dramatic, deaths on screen are usually awful.

However, the death on screen is often at odds with the real experience of dying, according to those who know. Scientific research, interviews with those who work with dying people, and reports gathered from the few who have survived death experiences, all appear to agree. Death isn't something to fear, and it can be a peaceful, even pleasant process once it happens.

Those who work with the dying say the process can begin several days before the actual death occurs, even weeks ahead of time. Patients report supernatural experiences, such as the appearance of angels, loved ones, and even loved ones who are alive, but far away. Science has no explanation for this, but it appears this is a common experience.

At the moment of death, people often report seeing their life flash before their eyes.

 Scientists have recently confirmed that the brain does not die at the same time as the body, but lives on and functions for at least a minute to a few minutes after death. Doctors often define death as the moment the heart and lungs cease function. They include death as the moment brain function ceases, but it is usually impractical to assess brain function when most patients die, since it would require hooking a patient up to another machine. Scientists theorize that in that minute or so following the termination of circulatory and respiratory function, the brain can still feel, hear, and process information.

The implication of this is obvious. A patient knows they have died, and can still hear and experience those around them. This may account for many patients who say they knew what was happening around their body after their death.

Following this experience, those who have come back from death say they often saw a tunnel of light and were greeted by loved ones, or kind spirits. They describe the sensation as painless and peaceful. The word tranquility is often used. These experiences are so vivid, they have converted atheists into believers.

Based on a wide range of evidence, it appears death is more often than not a peaceful, tranquil process, which many will experience not as an end, but as a transition.