Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- immeasurable / ɪˈmɛʒ ər ə bəl / (adj.) – too big or large to measure or count
Example:She felt immeasurable happiness when she saw her family again.
- instinctual / ɪnˈstɪŋk tʃə wəl / (adj.) – happening naturally, without needing to think, plan, or learn it
Example:The cat showed instinctual behavior by hiding when it heard a loud noise.
- allergen / ˈæl ər dʒən / (n.) – a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people
Example:Some food allergens, like nuts and milk, can cause problems such as trouble breathing, skin issues, or stomach pain.
- insomnia / ɪnˈsɑːm ni ə / (n.) – the condition of being unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get enough sleep over some time
Example:Doctors are studying whether using a cellphone late at night can lead to more people having insomnia.
- inclined / ɪnˈklaɪnd / (adj.) – having a tendency or willingness to do something
Example:He is more inclined to spend money when he eats at a restaurant than when he stays home and cooks dinner.
Article
Read the text below.
It turns out our furry best friend might be our sleep enemy. Lots of pet owners let their animals sleep on the bed with them, which usually disrupts sleep. But many would say it’s worth it.
And researchers don’t necessarily disagree.
Melissa Milanak, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina specializing in sleep health, said most people at her clinic say their pets disturb them often at night. “You can’t say that hands down, it’s bad for every single person, but there is a lot out there saying it negatively impacts your sleep,” she said.
Generally speaking, having a pet is good for many people’s health. Pets have been shown to lower their humans’ stress levels, get them to exercise and more. Many pet owners also say they feel an immeasurable amount of comfort by having their pets close as they sleep.
But dogs’ and cats’ natural sleep cycles aren’t the same as those of humans.
Dogs tend to be light sleepers and wake up multiple times at night. Some display instinctual behavior like scratching at bedding, which can prevent deeper phases of sleep, even if it doesn’t wake you up. As many cat owners know, “the zoomies” often happen before they are ready to get out of bed. Cats evolved to hunt in low light, meaning they are particularly active at dusk and dawn.
Milanak also said allergens such as pet dander and microbes brought into the house can affect owners’ breathing, preventing them from getting enough deep sleep.
Brian Chin, a professor of social and health psychology at Trinity College in Connecticut, said his research has found that sleeping with pets was associated with poor sleep, “particularly those dimensions of sleep quality and insomnia symptoms.” That’s even accounting for the fact that pet owners may be less inclined to report problems in a survey because they don’t believe their beloved pets cause problems.
Despite many problems, many pet owners feel that the bonding and emotional benefits outweigh the minor sleep disruption.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The article says many pet owners still let their pets sleep beside them, even after learning it can hurt their sleep. If you had a pet dog or cat, would you still let it sleep on your bed after reading about the research? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Many pet owners say the emotional bond with their animals is more important than the small sleep problems pets cause. How do you think pet owners can still feel close to their pets at night without letting them sleep in bed? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The article says dogs are light sleepers and often wake up during the night, which can disrupt or disturb their owners’ rest. Do you consider yourself a light sleeper or a deep sleeper? How does this affect your sleep when there’s noise or movement around you? How do you usually feel the next day if your sleep gets disturbed? Discuss.
- What helps you feel safe and relaxed when you go to sleep? If something disturbs your sleep in the middle of the night, what do you usually do to fall back asleep? Discuss.
