It's best to be blissfully aware, of course :)

Understand the ugliness of the world, and make peace with it emotionally, even as you strive to make the world a better place.

As for the fightback, yes, of course you're going to get the fightback... you're trying to rouse someone from a deep slumber... be prepared for a swing to the jaw. When you don't get that kind of response it's because they were half-awake and trying to get up already.

If you can successfully wake up a sleeper, once they are fully awake they will stop swinging. But many sleep as if they are desperately tired... bring your thickest skin when attempting, and be prepared for a high failure to success ratio.