We have a “supremely arrogant” approach to sleep, scientists declared this week, warning that our cavalier approach to slumber is wrecking our health. That came as a surprise to me. On the contrary; we are obsessed with sleep.

It has spawned a vast and expanding industry. Apps monitor our shut-eye, books advise on how to obtain it, consultants evangelise on its value to individuals and companies. Google and Procter & Gamble provide in-house lectures and train human resources managers in techniques such as curtailing caffeine, regular bedtimes and casting smartphones aside before lights out.

Arianna Huffington is the most vocal evangelist, imploring jaded women to “sleep their way to the top”. In her latest book, Thrive, the Huffington Post founder writes: “The most basic shift we can make in redefining success in our lives has to do with our strained relationship to sleep.”