Elapse in a state of unconsciousness, naturally (6)

I believe the answer is:

asleep

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'naturally' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'elapse in a state of unconsciousness' is the wordplay.
'elapse' can be anagrammed to 'ASLEEP'.
Though, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asleep that I've seen before include "Dead to the world" , "(Of a limb) numb" , "not paying attention" , "In slumber" , "Snoozing" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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