Being asleep is not the same as being unconscious. A sleeping person can
respond to loud noises or gentle shaking. An unconscious person will not.
Mar 08 2011, 6:11 AM
Unconsciousness is the condition of being not conscious—in a mental state
involves complete or near-complete lack responsiveness to people and other
environmental stimuli. Unconsciousness when is unable to respond to people
and activities. Other changes in awareness can occur without becoming
unconscious. Medically, these are called "altered mental status" or "changed
mental status." They include sudden confusion, disorientation, or stupor.
Sleeping is the rapidly reversible state of unconsciousness. This is of course
as opposed to coma or anesthesia.