Good Sleep Habits Linked to Longer Life and Better Heart Health.
Better sleeping habits.
Script:
Insomnia increases the risk of heart attack, while good sleep habits can add years to your life, according to two studies presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual conference.A team of international researchers studied more than 1 million adults from six countries and found that people with insomnia, which was defined as having difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking too early, were 69% more likely to have a heart attack than those without the disorder. People who habitually slept for five or fewer hours were 56% more likely to have a heart attack than those who slept for eight hours, regardless of age or gender.
The studies’ findings emphasize the importance of good sleep habits in maintaining a healthy heart and overall health, said Yomna E. Dean, the first author of one of the studies and a medical student at Alexandria University in Egypt.Approximately 10% of Americans have some form of insomnia, which is more common in women, according to Dr. Sanjay Patel, director of the Center for Sleep and Cardiovascular Outcomes Research at the University of Pittsburgh. Patel said that stress is often the root cause of short bouts of insomnia and suggested that individuals make sure their bedroom environment is comfortable, avoid chemicals that stimulate the brain, avoid looking at a clock, read a book or play a mindless game, avoid naps, and get lots of sunlight.
"sleeping patterns were linked to 8% of deaths"
The second study presented at the conference found that good sleep habits can benefit the heart and overall health, and even life expectancy. Researchers found that people with the highest quality sleep lived longer, with men living an additional 4.7 years and women living an additional 2.4 years. Poor sleeping patterns were linked to 8% of deaths from any cause.The studies' authors hope that their findings will raise awareness about the importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy heart and overall health, and that individuals will develop healthy sleep habits to improve their health and quality of life.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Insomnia can increase the risk of heart attack. T/F
b) True or False - People who have insomnia also can wake up too early in the mornings. T/F
c) True or False - Approximately 50% of Americans have some form of insomnia. T/F
d) True or False - Poor sleeping patterns were linked to 8% of deaths from any cause. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Insomnia"
b) "Habitually"
c) "Root cause"
d) "Quality"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Insomnia:
b) Habitually:
c) Root cause:
d) Quality:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
One student can act as a doctor, and another can act as a patient who is experiencing insomnia. The doctor can ask questions about the patient's sleep habits, suggest tips for improving sleep, and discuss the link between insomnia and heart health.
In pairs, students can act as roommates who are redesigning their shared bedroom to make it more sleep-friendly. They can discuss different ideas for creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, such as adding blackout curtains, removing electronic devices, and incorporating soothing colors and textures.
One student can act as a sleep expert, and another can act as a friend or family member who is struggling with sleep. The sleep expert can offer advice on improving sleep, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Giving Advice - Your best friend is having trouble sleeping. Write a short paragraph offering them some advice on how to get a good night's sleep?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Sweet Dreams
Employees at your company are required to work 8 hours a day. However, the CEO has put forward a new flexitime proposal which would allow employees to start work anytime before 10am. This will allow employees to get a longer sleep if they need it.
Group A supports this proposal and Group B rejects it. In groups discuss reasons for and against it, then come together and reach a consensus on whether the company should implement the new policy.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of this article is that insomnia increases the risk of heart attack, while good sleep habits can add years to your life, according to two studies presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual conference. The article highlights the findings of two studies that emphasize the importance of good sleep habits in maintaining a healthy heart and overall health. One study found that people with insomnia were more likely to have a heart attack, while another study found that good sleep habits can benefit the heart and overall health, and even life expectancy. The article was likely written to raise awareness about the importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy heart and overall health and to encourage individuals to develop healthy sleep habits to improve their health and quality of life.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: True C: False D: True
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Insomnia" Answer: This is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. In the context of the article, insomnia is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and highlights the importance of good sleep habits for maintaining a healthy heart and overall health.
b) "Habitually" Answer: This is doing something regularly or as a habit. In the context of the article, people who habitually slept for five or fewer hours were more likely to have a heart attack than those who habitually slept for eight hours, regardless of age or gender.
c) "Root cause" Answer: This is the fundamental reason behind a problem or issue. In the context of the article, stress is often the root cause of short bouts of insomnia, and Dr. Patel suggests ways to mitigate its effects on sleep.
d) "Quality" Answer: This is the standard of excellence or worth. In the context of the article, researchers found that people with the highest quality sleep lived longer, with men living an additional 4.7 years and women living an additional 2.4 years.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Insomnia: He struggled with insomnia for weeks, finding it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
b) Habitually: She habitually checked her phone for messages as soon as she woke up in the morning, a routine she had developed over the years.
c) Root cause: Identifying the root cause of the computer malfunction was essential to prevent it from happening again in the future.
d) Quality: The improved healthcare and educational opportunities in the region have significantly enhanced the quality of life for its residents.
Part 7: Writing (example)
I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble sleeping, my friend. Getting a good night's sleep is essential for our well-being. Here are a few tips that might help you: First, try to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime. Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable and dark, and consider using earplugs or a white noise machine if there are disturbances. If you still have trouble sleeping, it might be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues. I hope these suggestions help you achieve a restful night's sleep soon!
