The body releases endorphins at death, making dying less traumatic.
Evolution cannot explain this, because there is no selection pressure for
a biological mechanism to help people die peacefully. But it does show
evidence of a merciful creator.
Endorphin levels are elevated even by relatively minor trauma.
Alleviating the pain and stress of a person who has suffered a trauma
can keep them functional enough to take life-saving actions, such as
staunching the bleeding or seeking help. That
endorphins are released also during fatal trauma is a side effect.
Release of endorphins during trauma is not entirely merciful. If the
person survives the trauma, the withdrawal from the endorphins can
produce emotional distress that can contribute to post-traumatic stress
disorder or alcohol addiction (Volpicelli et al. 1999).
References:
Volpicelli, J., G. Balaraman, J. Hahn, H. Wallace and D. Bux, 1999.
The role of uncontrollable trauma in the development of PTSD and
alcohol addiction. Alcohol Research and Health 23(4): 256-262.
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh23-4/256-262.pdf
