First up, I don't intend to die any time soon and this post is just for the purpose of gaining more knowledge on the unavoidable.
This question was triggered by a recent recollection of mine of when I watched a documentary on the most humane way to execute criminals. Hypoxia was one of the ways mentioned as the most humane.
Hypoxia was mentioned as it is supposedly painless and removes the anxiety of impending death.
I did some reading on the internet recently about death by hypoxia and haven't been able to find a huge amount of information.
Through my browsing I also found three more ways that have been suggested as relatively painless
Complete Atlanto Axial dislocation – similar to what happens during judicial hanging
Liver failure – apparently relatively pain free, decreases brain function, reducing pain and eventually leads to coma and death. However other sources I've read have said this can be painful.
Heart attack in your sleep – sometimes you can have a heart attack in your sleep and not even wake up and die without knowing. However most things I've read say its likely you will wake up and then have your final moments.
Drug induced death – apparently the right combination of drugs can cause you to go to sleep then into respiratory failure, hence death. Seems relatively painless.
What are your thoughts on hypoxia as a relatively painless way to die? Does anyone have more information on hypoxia in general? Does anyone have suggestions on their views on the least painful ways to die? Does anyone have more information on liver failure and heart attacks in your sleep?
Survivors of heart attacks, what does it feel like? I've heard everything from being stood on the chest by an elephant to only a moderate amount of pain.