Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Sleep, Dreams & Mental Well-being 4

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four young professionals describing the immediate mental health benefits of imposing a strict “digital sunset” (no screens) two hours before bedtime.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions a noticeable decline in physical discomfort?

2   confesses that the initial transition felt highly unsettling?

3   appreciates no longer evaluating their own lifestyle against their peers?

4   was able to resume a creative pastime they had previously neglected?

5   values the deeper, more meaningful interactions with a household member?

6   is amazed by the sheer speed at which they now manage to drift off to sleep?

7   reports experiencing a far more energetic and positive start to their day?

8   explains how the rule helped establish a firm boundary against job-related pressures?

9   initially found it incredibly difficult to stop checking for out-of-hours messages?

10   points out that substituting a digital device for a traditional equivalent improved their focus?

The Digital Sunset: Reclaiming Our Evenings

A Oliver

As an architect, I used to bring my blueprints and stress home with me. My evenings were consumed by tweaking designs on my tablet, which inevitably led to agonizing over impending deadlines. Implementing a strict ‘digital sunset’ two hours before turning in was a game-changer for my mental health. By powering down my devices at 8:30 PM, I essentially put up a mental wall between my professional obligations and my private life. Without the constant glare of a screen, the low-level anxiety that usually buzzed in my chest simply melted away. I also needed something to occupy my newly freed hands, so I dug out my old charcoal pencils. I hadn’t drawn for pure pleasure since university, but now I spend my final waking hours sketching landscapes. If I hadn’t implemented this rule, I would undoubtedly still be lying awake worrying. Though some colleagues complain about my unresponsiveness, the tranquility I’ve gained makes it entirely worthwhile.

B Chloe

Working as a financial analyst means staring at spreadsheets for nine hours a day, which takes a heavy toll. Before my digital sunset experiment, I’d inevitably end the day with a throbbing headache and painfully dry eyes, scrolling mindlessly through social media to unwind. Not only did shutting off my electronics at 9 PM eradicate those physical aches almost instantly, but it also left me feeling remarkably lighter. Interestingly, the biggest psychological boost occurred in my living room. Previously, my partner and I would sit in total silence on the sofa, engrossed in our respective feeds. Now, we actually talk about our days in depth, and that revitalised connection has lifted my overall mood. Furthermore, I’ve swapped my e-reader for physical paperbacks. I used to struggle to concentrate on long chapters, easily distracted by pop-up alerts, but returning to traditional printed books has successfully restored my attention span.

C Marcus

I won’t lie; the first week of banning screens before bed was absolute torture. As a software engineer, I am chronically online, and suddenly being disconnected made me feel incredibly restless, as though I were missing out on something vital. It took a massive amount of willpower to ignore the urge to check if my team had pinged me on our work chat. I was so accustomed to responding to late-night alerts that my brain was constantly on high alert. However, once I pushed through that initial withdrawal phase, the cognitive payoff was astonishing. It is widely documented that artificial light disrupts melatonin production, which I now know firsthand to be true. Previously, I would toss and turn for hours, my mind racing with code. Nowadays, the moment my head hits the pillow, I am out like a light. Finally getting enough restorative rest has significantly lowered my daily stress levels.

D Aisha

My motivation for adopting a digital sunset stemmed from a growing sense of inadequacy. Every night, I would lie in bed scrolling through perfectly curated feeds, constantly measuring my behind-the-scenes life against everyone else’s highlight reels. It was a toxic habit that severely battered my self-esteem and fueled my anxiety. Putting my phone away two hours before sleep put an immediate halt to that vicious cycle. Unplugging allows me to end the day reflecting on my own achievements rather than obsessing over my peers’ glamorous holidays. Aside from the mental peace, the knock-on effect on my mornings has been a true revelation. Had I known how much late-night browsing was affecting my energy, I would have unplugged much sooner. I used to wake up feeling incredibly groggy, reaching straight for my screen. Now, having enjoyed an undisturbed night, I leap out of bed feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four individuals reflecting on the phenomenon of “sleepwalking” and the hilarious yet dangerous situations they have woken up in around their houses.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

1   relies on a technological solution to keep track of their nighttime movements?

2   felt a severe chill after successfully making their way outdoors?

3   carried out domestic chores they normally try to avoid?

4   realised their subconscious behaviour had created a severe fire hazard?

5   had an awkward interaction with a neighbour who suspected them of a crime?

6   suddenly woke up completely drenched in their everyday attire?

7   was saved from a potentially nasty fall by a housemate?

8   unintentionally trapped themselves inside a room by blocking the exit?

9   was disgusted to wake up eating an unprepared food item?

10   safely tucked away their valuables to protect them from a perceived threat?

The Midnight Wanderers: Confessions of Chronic Sleepwalkers

A Mark

I’ve been a sleepwalker since childhood, but it has definitely escalated recently. I usually just wander aimlessly around the hallway, but last month, I somehow made my way into the kitchen. I woke up sitting at the dining table, chewing on a totally raw potato. It was absolutely disgusting, but the truly terrifying part was yet to come. I noticed the gas stove had been switched on, though unlit. If I hadn’t snapped out of my sleep when I bit into the unprepared vegetable, a tiny spark could easily have caused a massive explosion. You’d think I would have purchased some high-tech gadgets or set up a burglar alarm to wake me up, but I haven’t gone that far yet. I now strictly lock the kitchen door and leave the key out of reach. It’s funny in hindsight, but the potential danger really forced me to come to terms with how risky this condition can be.

B Sophie

My flatmates are well aware of my somnambulism, but even they were baffled by my recent nighttime escapades. Normally, I absolutely loathe doing household chores; my bedroom is perpetually a mess. Yet, one morning, I woke up to find I had meticulously reorganised our entire living room, hoovering the carpet and polishing the shelves while fast asleep. However, the humour faded when I realised I had pushed a heavy wooden bookshelf right against my bedroom door, effectively barricading myself inside. I had to call my flatmate to shove it back so I could get out! Furthermore, during that same incident, she told me she had caught me hovering dangerously close to the edge of the staircase. If she hadn’t gently guided me away, I would undoubtedly have tumbled down the steps. It really goes to show how unaware of our surroundings we are when our brains are technically switched off.

C David

My sleepwalking tends to be triggered by intense stress, and during my final university exams, it reached a whole new level. I had always assumed I just paced around my bedroom, but one freezing December night, I woke up shivering violently. I was standing barefoot in my front garden, dressed only in my pyjamas, with the front door wide open. The sudden blast of winter air had fortunately shocked me awake. To make matters worse, the elderly lady from next door was peering over the fence, looking horrified as if I were an intruder scoping out the premises. I had to awkwardly explain the situation while my teeth were chattering. Following that incredibly humiliating and unsafe ordeal, I decided I couldn’t take any more chances. Consequently, I’ve invested in a smart sensor system that chimes loudly on my smartphone if the front door is opened between midnight and 6 AM.

D Emma

I’ve always been prone to bizarre nocturnal habits, but my subconscious mind apparently has a very strange sense of humour. Last week, I regained consciousness to the freezing shock of cold water pouring over my head. I was standing in the bathtub with the shower fully running, completely dressed in my favourite tracksuit! My mobile phone and wallet were missing from my pockets, which instantly sent me into a state of sheer panic. After turning my bedroom upside down, I eventually found them meticulously wrapped in a towel and stuffed inside a pair of winter boots at the back of my wardrobe. Why my sleeping brain felt the need to protect my personal items from imaginary thieves is entirely beyond me. While my friends find these stories highly entertaining, the reality is quite exhausting. I’ve actually had to start hiding my own belongings before bed to prevent my sleepwalking self from doing it first.

Exercises:   123456