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Warning-sign checks

Drowsiness: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if someone is difficult to wake, loses consciousness, has a seizure, or has drowsiness with:

    • Trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or very slow breathing
    • New facial drooping, one-sided weakness, or difficulty speaking
    • A sudden severe headache, severe confusion, or collapse
    • A significant head injury
    • A suspected overdose, poisoning, or carbon monoxide exposure

    If carbon monoxide may be present, move into fresh air without putting yourself at risk and call emergency services.

    If low blood glucose is possible and the person cannot safely swallow, do not give food or drink.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice for new, severe, or unexplained drowsiness that makes staying awake difficult.

    Also seek prompt advice if it begins after starting or changing a medicine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if daytime sleepiness keeps returning, lasts several weeks, affects work or study, or causes unintended sleep.

    Arrange assessment for loud snoring, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep.

The article also says

Do not drive or use dangerous equipment when struggling to stay awake.

Opening a window, playing music, or relying on caffeine does not make drowsy driving safe.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Drowsiness. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.