Upon death, the human body typically undergoes natural decomposition, is cremated, or undergoes cryopreservation. Those who don't opt for cryonics or cremation will experience the natural decomposition process—a gradual breakdown of the body through biological and chemical means.
Decomposition begins shortly after death and can take years to complete. Factors like chemicals and cold can slow this process; notably, both are integral to cryopreservation.
Let's explore what happens to the human body after death and how cryopreservation offers an alternative.
The four stages of decomposition
Body decomposition progresses through distinct stages. While the exact number of these phases varies based on who you ask, we decided to simplify them into four different windows.
1. Autolysis (self-digestion)
This stage starts immediately after clinical death — when the heart stops and vital functions cease. Without intervention (like CPR or defibrillation) within 4–6 minutes, legal death is declared.
At this point, one of two things occurs:
- The body enters autolysis, where cells begin to break down.
- Or, if enrolled in cryonics, a provider is notified to commence cryopreservation procedures.
During autolysis, circulation halts, carbon dioxide accumulates, and the body becomes acidic. This ruptures cell membranes, releasing enzymes that digest the body from within. Rigor mortis also sets in during this phase.
2. Bloating
Two to five days post-death, gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide build up as bacteria multiply unchecked. This causes visible bloating, skin discoloration, fluid leakage, and strong odors. The body can nearly double in size, attracting insects during this phase.
3. Active to advanced decay
Organs, muscles, and skin begin to liquefy. Tissues break down, bodily fluids seep out, and body mass rapidly decreases. In advanced decay, only cartilage, ligaments, and some residue remain.
Side note: Hair and nails don't actually grow after death—the skin shrinks, making them appear longer.
4. Skeletonization
Eventually, only bones and possibly some hair are left. This stage can take months or years, depending on environmental conditions. While bones also decay, the process can span decades.
The Cryonics alternative
Decomposition isn't inevitable. By opting for cryopreservation, your body bypasses these stages entirely.
Cryonics employs cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and a process called vitrification to prevent ice formation while cooling the body to sub-zero temperatures. Once preserved in a cryogenic dewar, your body is stored indefinitely in a state where decay is effectively halted.
While revival isn't guaranteed, there's no biological reason it's impossible. Unlike cremation, which eliminates all possibility, cryonics offers a theoretical path to future recovery.
.png)
Final thoughts
Decomposition is natural — but not your only option. Cryopreservation presents a scientific, future-focused alternative. While not typical dinner-table conversation, contemplating post-mortem possibilities can lead to informed decisions about your future.
If you're curious to learn more about cryonics, consider scheduling a call or subscribing to our newsletter (you find the form below).
The future might be closer than you think.
About Tomorrow.bio
At Tomorrow Bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading human cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients — preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.
Our mission is to make human cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life should end because current medical capabilities fall short.
Our vision is a future where death is optional — where people have the freedom to choose long-term preservation in the face of terminal illness or fatal injury, and to awaken when medicine has caught up.
Interested in learning more or becoming a member?
📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio
🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio
🤝 Schedule a call with our team: Book a call
