WHEN

I was young I could fall asleep almost anywhere: I’ve spent nights happily kipping in phone kiosks, on railway platforms and even a cemetery.

But these days I wake up at least once a night; and when I do, my brain is fizzing with thoughts.

Now researchers at Stanford University have discovered that when mice get older, brain cells that keep us alert go into overdrive, making sleep fitful — but flupirtine, a painkiller, can prevent this, enabling older mice to regain youthful sleep patterns. Flupirtine is yet to be approved as a sleep aid, but once it is, I may well give it a go.