Passing Out vs. Sleeping: What to Do If Someone Is Unresponsive

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The first step to discerning the difference between a sleeping person and an unconsciousness person is to check their responsiveness. Do this by talking to them, gently shaking them, or by making a loud noise. [1] If the person does not wake up, you will need to check their breathing. Also check for symptoms of unconsciousness like incontinence. If they are unresponsive for more than a minute, then you will need to roll them on their side and call emergency services . Call emergency services immediately if they are not breathing or have a serious injury.

Things You Should Know

  • A sleeping person will respond to stimuli, while an unconscious person will not.
  • Check if someone is conscious by gently shaking them or making a loud noise.
  • Symptoms of unconsciousness include confusion, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat.
Section 1 of 4:

How is sleeping different from being unconscious?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    One way to determine if someone is sleeping is by talking to them. Kneel or bend next to the person and gently say their name, tell them to open their eyes, or ask them if they are all right. Repeat this for five minutes or until the person wakes up. [2]
    • For example, “Jim, are you awake? If you can hear me, open your eyes. Jim?”
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Ways to Check Responsiveness

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place your hand on their shoulder and gently shake them. You can do this in combination with saying their name or asking if they are awake. Do not shake them aggressively, shake their head, slap, or flick their face. [3]
    • You can also try gently rubbing their cheek or head/forehead to wake the person up.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Turning on the radio or TV, closing the door, loudly tapping on something, or playing an instrument may prompt someone to wake up, as well. However, do not play or make loud noises too close to the person’s ear. This may startle the person or cause damage to their hearing.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

First Aid Tips

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the person is in the recovery position, call emergency services for emergency medical help. Keep monitoring their breathing until the medics arrive. If they stop breathing you or someone else will need to perform CPR. [4]
    • Call emergency services if the person is injured, has diabetes, has seizures, has lost control of their bladder or bowels, is pregnant, is over age 50, or is unconscious for more than one minute.
    • If the person wakes up and feels discomfort, pressure, or pain in their chest, or if they have an irregular or pounding heartbeat, then call emergency services.
    • Also call emergency services if the person has vision problems or cannot speak or move their legs.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Kneel by their side and place their arm closest to you at a right angle to their body with their palm facing up. Place their other hand across their chest with the back of their palm lying flat against their cheek. Hold this arm in place with your hand. Then, with your other hand, pull their farther knee up and over their other leg until their foot is flat on the ground. Gently pull on their lifted knee and roll them toward you until they are on their side. Now they are in a recovery position. [5]
    • You should do this if the person is unresponsive for more than a minute, but still breathing and lying on their back.
    • If you think the victim has a spinal injury, do not roll or move them.
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Determining the Severity of Their Symptoms

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the person wakes up, then check for the following symptoms: amnesia, headache, confusion, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a rapid heartbeat. Also, check to see if they have the ability to move all of their body parts. [6]
    • Ask them, “How do you feel?” “Can you wiggle your toes and move your fingers?” and “Do you feel any pain or discomfort in your chest?”
    • If the person is unresponsive, then check for a loss of bladder or bowel control, i.e., incontinence. If incontinence is present, then call emergency services.
    • Unconsciousness is caused by major illness or injury, substance or alcohol use, or choking on an object. Brief unconsciousness, or fainting is caused by dehydration, low blood sugar, temporary low blood pressure, or even serious heart or nervous system problems. [7]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the person wakes up, you will need to determine how alert they are. Do this by asking them simple questions such as, “What is your name?” “What is the date?” and “How old are you?” [8]
    • If the person is unable to answer the questions or provides the wrong answers, then this means that a change in mental status has occurred. You will need to call emergency services or a doctor immediately.
    • If you witness the person fainting—collapsing with a brief period of unconsciousness—and exhibiting a change in mental status, the person has chest pain or discomfort, is experiencing pounding or irregular heartbeat, cannot move their extremities, or has vision problems, then seek emergency medical help. [9]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Tell-if-Someone-Is-Unconscious-or-Sleeping-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the person is unresponsive, place one hand on their forehead and tilt their head back gently. Their mouth should slightly open reflexively. At the same time, place your other hand on their chin and lift it. Move your head close to the person’s mouth to see if you can feel their breath on your face or hear them breathing. [10]
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can you tell if someone is pretending to be asleep or unconscious?
    Marc Kayem, MD
    Sleep Specialist
    Dr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
    Marc Kayem, MD
    Sleep Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Usually, people breathe audibly at a slower place when they're actually asleep. When people are more awake, their muscles are more tense and they're less likely to fall back, so you usually you don't hear anything at all. Even if people don't snore when they're sound asleep, the breathing pattern will still have some minor resistance that you can usually hear out loud. If someone was actually awake but pretending to be sleeping or unconscious, you likely wouldn't be able to hear that.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Low blood sugar can cause a person to fall unconscious. If you or the person who fainted knows this is the cause, then give them something sweet to eat like a Jolly Rancher or another small candy. You can also give them something sweet to drink like Gatorade, juice, or lemonade. [13] However, only do this after they regain consciousness.
        Thanks
      • If the person passes out due to dehydration or heat, move them to a cool place and give them water or Gatorade to drink.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      When to Worry about Left Arm Pain (And When Not To)
      How to Request a Welfare Check for Someone
      Basic First Aid: The Three Cs, Caring for Common Injuries & More
      How to
      Do a Fireman's Carry
      What to Do If a Popcorn Kernel Is Stuck in Your Throat
      How to
      Tape a Thumb
      Treating Paronychia at Home: Self-Care, Causes, & More
      How to Check for Appendicitis at Home: Signs, Tests & More
      How to
      Make a Saline Solution
      How to Identify & Rescue Someone Drowning
      How to
      Sterilize a Needle
      What to Do if You or Someone Else Has Swallowed Gasoline
      How to
      Carry Someone Who's Bigger Than You
      How to
      Reduce Swollen Fingers
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Marc Kayem, MD. Sleep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 October 2019.
      2. ↑ http://patient.info/health/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      3. ↑ https://www.acls.net/first-aid-for-unconscious-person
      4. ↑ https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/breathlessness-and-breathing-difficulties-dyspnoea/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      5. ↑ http://patient.info/health/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      6. ↑ https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/breathlessness-and-breathing-difficulties-dyspnoea/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      7. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000022.htm
      8. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000022.htm
      9. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000047.htm
      1. ↑ http://patient.info/health/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      2. ↑ Marc Kayem, MD. Sleep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 October 2019.
      3. ↑ https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/breathlessness-and-breathing-difficulties-dyspnoea/dealing-with-an-adult-who-is-unresponsive
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000022.htm

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 81,556 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Destiny Arbuckle

        Jun 20, 2022

        "Was curious and now I know more."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement