2016年6月第1套 短文 第1题

16. A) The importance of sleep to a healthy life.
B) Reasons for Americans' decline in sleep.
C) Some tips to improve the quality of sleep.
D) Diseases associated with lack of sleep.
17. A) They are more health-conscious.
B) They are changing their living habits.
C) They get less and less sleep.
D) They know the dangers of lack of sleep.
18. A) Their weight will go down.
B) Their mind function will deteriorate.
C) Their work efficiency will decrease.
D) Their blood pressure will rise.

听力文本：
The massive decline in sleep happened so slowly and quietly that few seemed to notice the trend. Was it because of the growing attraction of the Internet, video games and endless TV channels? Never disconnecting from work? No matter how it happened, millions of Americans are putting their health, quality of life and even length of life in danger. New evidence shows why getting enough sleep is a top priority.
Some 40 percent of Americans get less than seven hours of shut-eye on weeknights. "The link between sleep and health, and bad sleep and disease, is becoming clearer and clearer," says Lawrence Epstein, a sleep expert at Harvard University. For example, sleep duration has declined from some eight hours in the 1950s to seven in recent years. At the same time, high blood pressure has become an increasing problem. Blood pressure and heart rate are typically at their lowest levels during sleep; people who sleep less tend to have higher blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, weight gain and other problems.
Sleeping better may help fight off illness. "When people are sleep-deprived, there are higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies, which can decrease immune function," says Dr. Phyllis Zee of Northwestern University in Chicago. A University of Chicago study shows people who sleep well live longer. So say good night sooner, and it may help you stay active and vital to a ripe old age.

参考答案：

16.A

17.C

18.D