Practical tasks Vocabulary and Listening

Reading and Vocabulary
▲5a) Work in groups. Tell other students what you do when you can’t get to sleep. Which is the most unusual method of getting to sleep?
▲b) Read the article. Why does Emma insomnia?
What has she tried to do to get a good night’s sleep?
▲6a) Read the article again. Answer these questions.

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  How much sleep did Emma get last night?
  
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  What happens on a typical night?
  
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  Why is her job very tiring?
  
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  Why does she have money problems?
  
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  Which cures for insomnia hasn’t she tried? Why not?
  

▲b) Work in pairs. What advice would you give Emma?
☼ I just can’t sleep!
Emma talks about how her stressful life has made getting a good night’s sleep impossible. Last night I was fast asleep by 11p.m, but I woke up again at 1a.m. Even though I was exhausted when I went to bed, I was suddenly wide awake and it was impossible to get back to sleep again. So I just lay there watching the clock change from three to four to five without sleeping a wink – it was very frustrating. Finally, I got up at 6.15 and went off to work feeling terrible. That’s a typical night for me. I’ve had insomnia for so long I’m amazed that anyone else actually sleeps through the night. And when this goes on for too many nights I feel really shattered.
I’m a sales manager, and I work really long hours and have to do a lot of travelling. I worry about work all the time, which makes it incredibly difficult to get to sleep. Sometimes I get home from work extremely late and when I go to bed everything is still going round my head. Money’s also a huge worry for me. I borrowed a lot when I was a student and I still owe ₽15,000, I only get a full night’s sleep once a month – but when I do I feel absolutely fantastic the next day.
I’ve tried nearly everything to cure my insomnia – herbal teas, yoga, meditation – you name it. I’ve tried it. I’ve also started going to the gym three times a week, but it hasn’t made any difference. I have a fairly healthy diet and I don’t smoke or drink coffee. I haven’t tried hypnosis because it’s very expensive and that would just add to my money worries. I don’t want to start taking sleeping pills because I’m terrified of becoming addicted to them. Although I know it’s an awful way to live. I’ve learned to accept that insomnia is part of my life.
Adapted from the Evening Standard 3/12/02
▲7 a) Complete the table with the strong adjectives in pink in the article.