The child with the reduced conscious level presents a unique challenge to the Emergency provider - how can we recognise normal sleepiness versus pathology? Natalie May reminds us that, even if it's after bedtime, we have to take the time to wake children up fully as part of our routine assessment. She then explores the common pathologies - 5MF! - we need to consider in children with a reduced conscious level and how we can figure out which one is in front of us.