What Happens When You Die?

What happens when we finally pass away, so to speak? Despite our mostly science-grounded perspectives on death these days, it appears that many of us hold onto the belief in life after it. In 2014, a poll conducted by the Telegraph revealed that just under 60 percent of UK citizens believed that some part of us continues to exist. In the United States, a predominantly Christian nation, Pew Research conducted a survey in 2015 asking people about their beliefs regarding the afterlife.

The results showed that 72 percent of Americans believed in the concept of heaven, a place where those who have led virtuous lives are eternally rewarded. Additionally, 54 percent of U.S. adults expressed their belief in hell, a place where those who have lived wicked lives and died without remorse are eternally punished. With these beliefs in mind, welcome to this episode of "What happens when you die?"

It seems that many people hold the belief that after death, we may find ourselves in a heavenly paradise surrounded by clouds. Conversely, if we have not adhered to the moral principles dictated by our chosen religion or denomination, we may face the prospect of eternal hellfire and the need to beg for forgiveness from a bearded red man who rarely puts down his pitchfork. However, let's begin with some empirical realism and explore what actually happens to the body when we die. Physicians determine death by the cessation of the heartbeat and the absence of electrical activity in the brain. Brain death signifies the end of life, although machines can sustain bodily functions for a short period.

Another possibility is cardiac death, which occurs when the heart stops beating and blood no longer circulates through the body. Interestingly, individuals who have experienced cardiac death but have been revived have reported being aware of their surroundings during the process. Some have even described near-death experiences where they perceive a light and walk towards it. While it is possible to be revived from what we call clinical death, the window of opportunity is typically only 4-6 minutes.