How much sleep do you need? + homework

 

Coming up to the end of our last chapter in Headway Pre-Intermediate we are going to discuss sleep in the next lesson.

Believe it or not World Sleep Day is an annual event, intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep, including medicine, education, social aspects and driving. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.  This year it was held on the 17th of March.

How does sleep provide a better quality of life?

During sleep, energy is preserved, as activity, movement and sensory responses have been suspended.
It’s then redirected, so proteins can be restored and replenished, then assembled into cellular structures.
Low quality sleep has been linked with illnesses caused by a poor metabolic system, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Negative effects of not getting enough sleep include an increased appetite and sensitivity to food, leading to unhealthy food choices, which in turn results in less motivation for physical activity.

10 ways to improve your sleep:

1. Establish a regular bedtime and waking time.
2. Don’t sleep for more than 45 minutes during the day.
3. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol four hours before bedtime and don’t smoke.
4. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and fizzy drinks) six hours before bedtime. 
5. Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods four hours before bedtime. 
6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
7. Use comfortable, inviting bedding.
8. Find a comfortable sleep temperature setting and keep the room well ventilated.
9. Block out all distracting noise and eliminate light.
10. Reserve your bed for sleep  – don’t use it for work or general recreation

Homework:   Please read page 84/85 and be prepared to participate in a debate on sleep and why it is so important.  

General question:     Who would like to order the next Headway workbook for Intermediate English learners?