Signs that someone is dying
In the last days and hours of life, most people become more drowsy, eat and drink less, and their breathing changes. Some become confused or restless, and their hands and feet may feel cold. These changes happen to most people who are dying, whatever their illness, and can last hours or days. (NHS, NHS inform)
Signposting, not medical adviceSources checked 28 September 2026
Sleeping more
The person becomes more tired and drowsy, with less energy. They will probably spend more time sleeping, and as time goes on they will slip in and out of consciousness. (NHS)
Eating and drinking less
Not wanting to eat is common, and swallowing medicine may become difficult. The care team can talk about other ways of giving medicines. Family do not need to make the person eat: as they get closer to dying, the body cannot digest food properly. (NHS)
If they cannot swallow to drink, you can wet their lips with water. (NHS)
Changes in breathing
Breathing may become less regular, with periods of shallow breathing and periods of deeper, faster breathing, sometimes with pauses. It may become noisy because of a build-up of mucus. (NHS)
Confusion and restlessness
Medicines or changes in the brain's chemical balance can cause confusion or hallucinations. Some people become restless or seem distressed. The medical team can check for causes such as pain, breathing problems or infection, and there are medicines that can ease distress. (NHS)
Cold hands and feet
Changes in circulation can make the hands and feet feel cold, and blankets can help keep them warm. The skin may look mottled or blue, which may be easier to see on the lips, nose or ears in people with darker skin tones. (NHS, NHS inform)
The very last moments
Breaths may become much slower and quieter before they stop. A few people stop breathing and then take one or two final breaths. (NHS inform)
Related pages
If you need help now
If someone's life is in danger, call 999. If you need medical help urgently and are not sure what to do, call 111 (NHS 111 in England and Wales, NHS 24 in Scotland). In Northern Ireland, nidirect explains where to get urgent help.
If someone has just died
- If the death was expected, at home
- Contact their GP. If community nurses have been visiting, call them too: they can verify the death. Outside surgery hours, contact the on-call doctor.
- If the death was unexpected
- Call 999 straight away and explain what has happened. The police will also be told, because the coroner needs to know.
Sources: NHS: when to call 999 · NHS: when to use 111 · Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust · nidirect: when someone dies at home
Sources
- NHS: Changes in the last hours and days of life (Last reviewed 26 October 2023; read 28 September 2026)
- NHS inform: What happens when someone is dying (Last updated 31 July 2026; read 28 September 2026)