Sudden Death During Sleep–Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention

Sudden cardiac death is not uncommon and nearly 25 percent of such deaths occur during the night.
Sudden Death During Sleep–Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention
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Tang Xiao'ou, founder of the Chinese AI company SenseTime, which was once sanctioned by the United States, passed away suddenly in his sleep on Dec. 15 last year. He was 55 years old. There are many reasons for sudden death during sleep. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of death during sleep, the population most at risk, and prevention methods.

Causes of Sudden Death During Sleep

Sudden cardiac death is a common occurrence, accounting for around 15 to 20 percent of all deaths worldwide. Studies have found that approximately 22 percent of cases of sudden cardiac death occur during the night.
The elderly population is more susceptible to diseases such as hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), and atherosclerosis, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A significant myocardial infarction (heart attack) can result in sudden cardiac death. Similarly, patients with sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) may experience severe arrhythmias, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. This syndrome can occur in children, adolescents, and middle-aged individuals.
Jingduan Yang
Jingduan Yang
M.D.
Dr. Jingduan Yang is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine. He developed the ACES Model of Health and Medicine and leads clinical, educational, and research initiatives. As a principal founder of the Northern School of Medicine and Health Sciences, he advances whole-person care grounded in science, ethics, and humanity.
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