Exercise on understanding the main idea and identifying causes.

The causes of sleep deprivation in America: A nation of walking

zombies

When we operate a machine, we need to make sure that all of its parts are in good
working order so that it will function efficiently. If we are careless, the machine will
break down when we least expect it. The same can be said about the most complex of
machines, the human body. When the body is sleep-deprived, it is like a car running on a
half-empty gas tank. People usually don’t know when their bodies will run out of fuel-
and the results can be disastrous. In fact, sleep deprivation has caused tragedy: It is the
second leading cause of all car accidents in the United States. At least one-third of
Americans, about 85 million people, sleep only six of the eight or nine hours that sleep
specialists say is needed each night. According to James Maas, a sleep specialist, this
situation has created ‘a nation of walking zombies.’ If people slept eight hours, they
would be less drowsy, they would be more alert and productive at work, and they would
have more creative and joyful lives. In addition, they would have fewer accidents,
making the world a safer place for us all. We clearly need to sleep more and educate
people about the three major causes of sleep deprivation: modern technology, insomnia
and sleep apnea.

In our society, sleep deprivation has developed along with advances in technology and
our longer schedules. Before the invention of the light bulb, people rose when the sun
rose and went to sleep when the sun set. Today the division between daytime and
nightime is less clear. Because people can work at night with the aid of artificial light,
daytime is no longer the only time when people can be awake and productive. Many
people lead sleepy lives because they work night shifts at places such as hospitals or
factories. In the past two decades, the computer, the fax machine, and the cell phone have
extended our schedules around the clock. In addition, our lives are filled with complex
obligations both on the job and in the family, and sleep seems to be the first thing we
sacrifice when we have too much to do. Although millions of years of biological
evolution indicate that nightime is the time for rest, many of us simply ignore the rules of
the natural sleep cycle.

In addition to technology, insomnia causes sleep deprivation. Insomnia is the

psychological inability to fall or stay asleep. Insomnia can be divided into two categories:
short term insomnia, which is temporary and long-term insomnia, which is a chronic
condition. People who suffer from stress due to a problem at home or pressure at work
often develop short term insomnia. People can also have short term insomnia as a result
of temporary environmental factors, such as living in a noisy environment, or from habits
like drinking too much coffee and taking stimulants. On the other hand, some people
develop long-term insomnia from a chronic condition, such as clinical depression.

The third major cause of sleep deprivation is a physical problem rather than a
psychological one. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, which

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is the most common physical disorder that prevents people from getting a good night’s
rest. Sleep apnea creates an obstruction in the nose or throat that stops the sleeper from
breathing for several seconds. The sleeper gasps for air to keep from choking and
therefore, rarely enjoys a deep sleep. Sleep apnea results in snoring- the most familiar
symptom of this disorder. Only recently have scientists realised that snoring is not merely
an individual’s annoying sleep behaviour, but a sign of his or her difficulty in breathing
and an indication that medical attention is needed.

Most Americans regard sleeping as a waste of time. This is the attitude thar sleep
specialists are trying to change. Many people are still unaware of the restorative power of
sleep. Although not everything is known about sleep, doctors believe that it is essential
for our physical and mental well being. We need to reduce sleep deprivation, which is
caused by 24-houir schedules, insomnia, and sleep apnea, because one person’s
sleepiness can result in the next person’s tragedy.

1. Understanding the main idea

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the main idea of the essay? Underline the thesis statement.
2. Underline one effect or result of sleep deprivation that is mentioned in the essay.
3. What recommendation for the future does the writer give in the conclusion?
Underline the sentence that gives this advice.

2. Identifying Causes

Write on the lines below the threee main causes (Social, psychological, and physical)
of sleep deprivation discussed in the reading passage. Match the topics on the left with
the cause they are associated with. Put a check(/) in the appropriate column.

Cause1 Cause 2 Cause 3

Social Psychological Physical
-------------------- ---------------- -------------------

1. Snoring
2. Stress at work
3. Family
Arguments
4. Artificial Light
5. Depression
6. Shift Work
7. Gasping for air