… stop at once and do something more appropriate. (By which I mean read a book, of course.)

I see in the results of a survey published today that 8 out of 10 of us admit to using the likes of Blackberries and laptops in bed. It has to stop. Seriously – you need some disconnected time. Put them away. Switch them off. Give your brain a chance – preferably with a good read. (Come on, it was World Book Day in the UK yesterday.)

We also learn that while the most popular nightwear for women is pyjamas, one per cent of men questioned claim to wear a nightie.

The only slight suspicion I might have is that I happen to have taken part in this survey, and while I give it all my attention and think hard before giving my answers, it wouldn’t surprise me if others just skip through, giving answers almost at random. Although I always tell the truth in such things, I equally do my best to give the answers within that band of approximate verity which are most different from the ones the survey writers are pushing for, just for the fun of it.

‘Pushing for?’ you say. ‘Surely surveys give an unbiassed view of the public’s opinion?’ Did you never watch Yes Prime Minister? Take a look at this if you didn’t see the survey episode.