Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if someone cannot be properly awakened or has:
Severe trouble breathing or blue, grey, or very pale skin
A seizure, collapse, or new one-sided weakness
Sudden severe confusion
A possible medicine, alcohol, or drug overdose
Immediate plans or intent to harm themselves
These signs are different from routinely feeling slow or reluctant to get out of bed.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if the difficulty waking is new and severe, if you faint, or if sleepiness makes driving or operating machinery unsafe.
Do not drive when you are struggling to stay awake.
Arrange an appointment sooner if you have loud snoring, choking during sleep, morning headaches, unexplained weight change, persistent low mood, or episodes of falling asleep without warning.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the problem lasts about two weeks, keeps returning, or affects work, school, relationships, or self-care.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dysania. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.