Sleepless Nights Could Lead to Marriage Problems, Including Divorce

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. inadequate [in-ad-i-kwit] (adj.) – not enough

Example: The employee got sick because of inadequate sleep.

2. interruption [in-tuh-RUHP-shuhn] (n.) – a  sudden stop in an activity for a period of time

Example:  A loud noise caused interruption to her nap.

3. pretend [pri-TEND] (v.) – to do a fake action

Example: The child was reading comics but pretended to be asleep when his mother entered his room.

4. polite [puh-lahyt] (adj.) – showing good manners to other people

Example: She is polite to her grandparents .because her mother taught her to respect older people.

5. selfish [SEL-fish] (adj.) – thinking only of one’s self

Example: The girl was selfish because she did not help her little brother do house chores.

Article
Read the text below.

A new study shows that around one-third (1/3) of parents get a divorce or separate because of inadequate sleep caused by their crying babies. Adults need seven hours of sleep every night or at least five hours of sleep with no interruption so that they can focus the next day. However, most parents only get an average of six hours of sleep per night. Through a survey of 2,000 parents done by the UK’s Channel 4, researchers learned that having sleepless nights because of crying babies was a top reason 30% of parents got a divorce. Around 11% of parents admitted that they pretend to be asleep when their babies cry so that their wife or husband will take care of the baby. Another 11% said that they close the doors while 9% increase the television volume so that they will not hear their babies’ cries. One in twenty parents answered they had fallen asleep while driving because they were too tired. Psychologist Tanya Byron said several adults and children she met had behavioral and learning problems, as well as family issues, all of which might have been caused by lack of sleep. On the other hand, other recent researches show that when parents get enough sleep, they tend to be more polite to each other, and they are less selfish. People who sleep well have a better chance of improving their relationships with others.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think lack of sleep is an acceptable reason for divorce? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are the other reasons why couples separate?

Discussion B

·         Is sleep something important in your life? Why or why not?

·         What do you think of people who sleep less so they can work or study?

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