Death does not mean unconsciousness - but is a separation of body and spirit
No Soul Sleep
1. Body is not the soul; Soul is not the body; Spirit is not the soul.
2. Sleep never refers to the soul or spirit. It only applies to the body.
3. Man does not exist only in his body but in spirit and soul.
Php 1:23 ...having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
1 Th 5:10 ...whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
NB: Animals have no soul and cease to exist after death.