How our sleep is affected by the seasons

admin 2023年4月10日

Intermediate

world news, world news - intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

How do the seasons affect our sleep patterns?
What are the common sleep disturbances that occur during different seasons?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

vitality /vahy-TAL-i-tee/

[noun] – energy and strength
After a long day of hiking in the mountains, I could feel my vitality returning as I rested and drank some water.

approach /uh-PROHCH/

[noun] – a way of considering or doing something
To make progress on your project, it’s important to choose the right approach that fits your goals and resources.

lethargic /luh-THAHR-jik/

[adjective] – having little energy; feeling unwilling and unable to do anything
After staying up late to finish his homework, the student felt very lethargic and had trouble staying awake in class the next day.

optimize /OP-tuh-mahyz/

[verb] – to make something as good as possible
If you want to optimize your performance in sports, you should eat a balanced diet and get enough rest.

enhance /en-HANS/

[verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something
Adding a few drops of lemon juice can enhance the flavor of your salad and make it more enjoyable to eat.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

As the seasons shift, so too does our sleep. The arrival of spring, with its longer days and warmer temperatures, can bring renewed energy and vitality to our waking hours. Yet, as fall and winter approach, the shorter days and colder weather can leave us feeling lethargic and drained. Understanding the impact of the changing seasons on our sleep is crucial to maintaining a healthy sleep routine.

Our exposure to sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. During spring and summer, increased sunlight exposure can help us stay alert during the day, but may make it harder to fall asleep at night. Conversely, shorter days and decreased sunlight exposure during the fall and winter can disrupt our sleep patterns, leaving us feeling tired and sluggish. To optimize our sleep, it is important to get ample natural light during the day and keep our sleeping environment cool and dark at night.

In conclusion, our sleep is intimately connected to the seasons, and being mindful of the changes in sunlight exposure can help us regulate our circadian rhythm and promote restful sleep. By incorporating natural light exposure into our daily routines and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, we can improve the quality of our sleep and enhance our overall well-being.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

What is the role of sunlight exposure in regulating our sleep-wake cycle?
What can disrupt our sleep patterns during the fall and winter?
How can we optimize our sleep routine?
Why is it important to keep our sleeping environment cool and dark at night?
What benefits can we experience by improving the quality of our sleep?

Discussion questions