Salaam!
I read the following from Lughat-ul-Quran from Allama Parwez, just posing for a scholarly study and analysis. I will not get involved in any discussion. If anyone would like to post a comment or a rebuttal I would love to just read only. I feel like, it is something to do with relying on "what is best" when it is susceptible for different interpretations. I may or may not agree the choice of meaning given below for 4:43.
Sukr : To be intoxicated
Raghib (Raghib Isfahani’s famous book “almafrudaat fi gharibul Quran – The sayings of the Quran) says this is a condition which comes between a man and his intellect. Usually this word is used for intoxication but such condition can also be produced by anger and love {Taj-ul-Uroos, Muheet}.
Ibn Faris (Ibn Fabris’ “muqabeesul Lugha”) says it basically means “surprise”.
Sakar : Alcohol, intoxication (16:67)
Sakrah: Stupor, unconsciousness. This is a condition of stupor.
The Quran has said Sakaratul Maut in 50:18, which means unconsciousness of death.
Surah An-Nisa says “do not go near salaah when you are Sukara” (4:43). Here the word Sukara is usually taken to mean stupor, but lissan-ul-arab (compiled by Ibn Mukarram, died in 711 Hijri) says that it means overwhelming of sleep.
Sukaara has been used for people who are out of their senses due to fear and tribulation (22:2, 75:72)
Sakrah has been used for the stupor that is produced by an overflow of emotions.
as-sakr : to close a canal
sakiratir reeh : the wind became silent
al-ma’us saakir : standing water
sakarul Baab: closed the door (Taj-ul-Uroos, Raghib)
sak-karahu : strangulated him
Surah Al-Hijr, verse 15:15 says our eyes were blinded – sukarat absaaruna - (we have been hoodwinked).
Recall the said verse of Surah An-Nisa (4:43) which says “when you are overwhelmed by sleep do not go near salaat”. Here the word Sukara is the plural form of sakran and sakranah
Further ahead it is said in the same verse, “until you know what you are saying”. This means in a condition (sleepy condition) when you do not even know what you are saying there is no use in praying. The first thing is that you should understand what you are saying in Salaat. Only then Salaah is of use.