I’ve had people who are exceedingly well read Biblically tell me that all the confusion over so-called “soul sleep” apparently conflicting with “to be absent the body is to be present with the Lord” is readily explained by understanding, from Leviticus and elsewhere, that the soul is in the blood. It’s the record of our existence, our memories and experiences, the cumulative total of a life. It does cease to exist or “sleep” until Resurrection.
The spirit, on the other hand, returns to Him. So, both are correct. Taking the one to the exclusion of the other leads to confusion. We were created in His image, triune. Body, soul and spirit. That’s the answer that is there for anyone who reads the Bible and accepts it whole, in its entirety.
What then is this “spirit”? Are we conscious of being with God?
If not, what use is it to us, or God?