Sudden Death Sleeping: Ways, Whys and Enigmas

Sudden unexpected death during sleep particular in young people often provokes remorse whether could it have been prevented. Often the presenting symptom of sudden unexpected nocturnal death is death, but sometimes there are warning symptoms or signs (red flags) which if recognized and attended to may prevent the second (and too often fatal) event. Here we review some of the most common and striking ways to die unexpectedly from sleep, discussing vulnerable populations, particular risks, contributing or modifying factors, varying pathogenesis and potential prevention.