Just wondering how long before a person cannot shut the eyes of the deceased?

Thanks
J

There is only a very brief period during which the eyelids cannot be closed. Particularly during rigor mortis, when the muscles of the body are rigid. After rigor passes the eyes can easily be closed.

Interestingly the muscles of the eye lids are some of the first to be effected by rigor which begins about 3 hours following death.

The above applies to normal time intervals between death, preparation and burial procedures.

Hmm? Is that the only way? I wonder since my father passed away at a care home, they were able to change is gown to some yellow see through gown? Rigomortis the body limbs still have small movements or is it absolute that you cannot bend the joints?

J

Quote:

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Originally Posted by j_4junk

Hmm? Is that the only way? I wonder since my father passed away at a care home, they were able to change is gown to some yellow see through gown? Rigomortis the body limbs still have small movements or is it absolute that you cannot bend the joints?

J

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It's both. Rigor mortis is a gradual process that begins, in the facial muscles, about 3 hours after death but complete rigidity of the limbs, the larger muscle groups, occurs at around 8-12 hours (maximum rigidity). Then the rigidity dissipates gradually over a longer period and sometimes isn't complete for 72 hours.

Your observations are quite possible and likely. Whole body stiffness, the most noticeable aspect of rigor and how many assess it, becomes noticeable at about 5-8 hr range (via increasingly limited flexibility). These times are averages and dependent on several variables but offer a pretty good guide.

If you have any further questions, just ask.

Thanks!