In this podcast episode, you’ll learn lots of vocabulary connected to one of our favourite topics; sleep. Finally we can talk about a subject we know a lot about!

Email from Pilar from France
“I don’t remember if you have already talked about sleep, sleep phases, dreams, insomnia, etc
Did you know that until the invention of electric lights, and mostly until the industrial revolution, people used to sleep in two shifts. Between these two sleep stages they used to do some work at home, to write (for the intellectuals ) and so on.
If someone is interested, I recommend the book from Roger Ekirch “La gran transformación del sueño”
How many hours of sleep do you usually get, and do you think it’s enough for your lifestyle? (go to bed. Not go to XtheX bed) Most adults need between 7–9 hours of sleep each night

Sleep
Insomnia – the inability to sleep. To be restless, to toss and turn
Have you ever experienced insomnia or jet lag? How did you deal with it?
Sleep deprivation – the condition of not having enough sleep.
Circadian rhythm – the body’s natural 24-hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
REM (rapid eye movement) sleep – a stage of sleep associated with vivid dreaming. Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep.

Common vocabulary
Sleep (verb/noun) – when you are not awake
Awake (verb/adj.) – to stop sleeping/not sleeping
They awakened (verb) at dawn./He isn’t sleeping – he’s wide awake now.
Wake (someone) up – to awake = to stop (someone) sleeping
Asleep (adj. not with noun) – sleeping
The baby is fast asleep. The sleeping (XasleepX) cat is fat.
Go to sleep – intentionally start the process of sleeping
Fall asleep – unintentionally start the process of sleeping
Sleepy – ready or needing to sleep
Light sleeper – someone who wakes up easily.
Heavy sleeper – someone who sleeps very deeply and doesn’t wake easily.
Nap/Snooze/Kip – a short sleep during the day.
Doze off – to fall asleep unintentionally, especially during the day.
Sleep in – to accidentally sleep later than usual in the morning.
Have a lie in – to sleep later than usual in the morning on purpose.
Sleep something off – to sleep in order for the effects of a substance to disappear
Stay up (late) – not to go to bed (at a reasonable time)
Snore – to breathe noisily while sleeping.
Dream – a series of thoughts or images that occur during sleep.
Nightmare – a frightening or unpleasant dream.
Bedtime routine – regular habits followed before going to sleep.
Sleep like a log – to sleep very deeply.
How does sleep affect your mood, focus, and productivity during the day?

Idioms
Hit the sack/hay – To go to bed.
Sleep on it – To delay making a decision until the next day.
Lose sleep over (something) – To worry a lot about something.
Not sleep a wink – not sleeping at all.
Let sleeping dogs lie – Don’t bring up old problems or start unnecessary trouble.
Sleep like a baby – To sleep very peacefully and soundly.
Sleep tight – A way to wish someone a good night’s sleep. (also, sweet dreams)
(Catch) forty winks – To take a short nap.
Catch some Z’s – to sleep or take a nap.
Count sheep – visualise sheep to count to help you go to sleep
Pillow talk – intimate conversation shared by partners in bed

Discussion
What are some common sleep problems people face today, and what do you think causes them?
Do you like to daydream?
Do you believe that dreams have meaning? Have you ever had a dream that you still remember clearly?
Reza came across this piece of choral music by chance a few years ago. It’s one of the most beautiful pieces he’s heard in recent years. Listen to it when you get some peace and quiet at night when you’re alone and feeling sleepy. Sleep by Eric Whitacre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeLW43SqqbA

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Javier Toro

In next week’s episode: Chauffeurs and limousine drivers

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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later