Passage 8: Sleep deprivation
If you can sleep well, be grateful. Sleep deprivation is extremely common, and its side effects are both
serious and underappreciated. It is estimated that 50–70 million people in the U.S. suffer from a sleep
disorder, and yet too many of them do not seek medical help. Although occasional sleep interruptions
are generally no more than a nuisance, continuous lack of sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness,
emotional difficulties, poor job performance, and even obesity.
Sleep deprivation also impacts mental well-being. A study done by the U.K. Mental Health Foundation
found that people who didn’t get enough sleep were about three times more likely to exhibit poor
concentration and four times more likely to have relationship problems. According to another study, by
the University of Warwick, getting less than six hours of sleep on a continuous basis makes a person 48%
more likely to die of heart disease and 15% more likely to develop a stroke. According to study co-author
Professor Francesco Cappuccio, lack of sleep “is like a ticking time bomb for your health.”
If a person is experiencing difficulties falling and staying asleep, there are several effective methods
that can help and do not require medication. These include relaxation techniques, like tightening and
relaxing muscles, breathing slowly, and meditating; stimulation control, which involves controlling
pre-bedtime activities and surroundings; and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), designed to help people
understand and change their thought patterns. If sleep deprivation and negative symptoms continue,
however, consultation with a doctor is recommended. It’s essential not to underestimate the importance
of adequate sleep to maintaining good mental and physical health.
36. The main idea of the article is that …..
