Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death syndrome (SUNDS), or Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death, is a condition that causes death during sleep without a known cause. It is suspected to be due to abnormalities in the heart’s electrical conduction or structural abnormalities of the heart.
4 Main Causes of Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death
- Potassium deficiency in the body, which affects the heartbeat, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle and eventually death.
- Consumption of food contaminated with toxins that accumulate and become toxic to the heart muscle.
- Severe vitamin B1 deficiency, causing fatigue and excessive sleepiness. When asleep, heart failure often occurs, leading to death.
- Certain genetic diseases, such as Brugada Syndrome, which is a genetic defect affecting the protein that controls sodium flow in and out of heart muscle cells, and another condition called Long QT Syndrome, an electrical abnormality of the heart.
Symptoms Indicating Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death
Although sudden unexplained nocturnal death occurs suddenly, some patients may have warning signs. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms are observed, such as loss of consciousness while awake, fainting, or losing consciousness while sleeping, including muscle stiffness in the arms and legs, noisy or gasping breathing, convulsions, seizures, urinary and fecal incontinence, or a bluish discoloration of the face and lips, immediate medical attention should be sought. These are signs of arrhythmia, which can lead to sudden unexplained nocturnal death.
People at Risk of Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death
- Those with a family history of sudden unexplained nocturnal death or symptoms indicating arrhythmia.
- Patients with congenital arrhythmia problems.
- Those diagnosed with abnormal electrocardiograms of the Brugada type.
First Aid Guidelines for Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death
Lay the patient flat on the ground and assess them. If they are not breathing or have no pulse, perform CPR by pressing down on the chest about 1.5 inches, then releasing in cycles at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. Continue without stopping until medical personnel arrive or the patient regains consciousness and the heart starts beating again.
Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death is a condition that causes death during sleep without a known cause. Patients with this condition often die without prior health abnormalities. Therefore, if there is a family history of sudden unexplained nocturnal death or suspicious symptoms, consultation with a cardiology specialist is recommended to assess risk and find appropriate preventive measures.
Dr. Chayut Cheewapruk
Cardiovascular Specialist
Heart Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital