Scientists: Coffee and Naps – the Best Combination
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and Repeat.
perform
[pəˈfɔːm] (verb)
– to do an action or an activity that requires training or a specific skill
ex.The team has performed honorably at the FIFA World Cup.
[pəˈfɔːm] (verb)
– to do an action or an activity that requires training or a specific skill
ex.The team has performed honorably at the FIFA World Cup.
neuromodulator
[njʊərəʊˈmɒdjʊˌ leɪtə(r)] (noun)
– something that enhances or inhibits the transmission of a nerve impulse but is not the actual means of transmission
ex.Scientists have been studying neuromodulators for years.
[njʊərəʊˈmɒdjʊˌ leɪtə(r)] (noun)
– something that enhances or inhibits the transmission of a nerve impulse but is not the actual means of transmission
ex.Scientists have been studying neuromodulators for years.
enhance
[ɪnˈhɑːns] (verb)
– to increase or improve something
ex.Their performance has greatly enhanced since they started studying harder.
[ɪnˈhɑːns] (verb)
– to increase or improve something
ex.Their performance has greatly enhanced since they started studying harder.
stage
[steɪdʒ] (noun)
– a particular point or period in the growth or development of something
ex.Scientists have discovered that there are three stages of anxiety.
[steɪdʒ] (noun)
– a particular point or period in the growth or development of something
ex.Scientists have discovered that there are three stages of anxiety.
Article
Direction: Listen and Repeat by paragraph.
Scientists: Coffee and Naps – the Best Combination
A series of experiments performed by scientists from UK and Japan suggests that coffee and naps taken together maximize the brain’s alertness much better than when taken alone.Scientists at Loughborough University in Britain found out that tired test takers who drank a cup of coffee and immediately took a 15-minute nap had fewer errors in a driving simulator than those who only drank coffee or only took a nap.The secret is in how the combination of caffeine and sleep affects a neuromodulator called adenosine.Normal activity slowly raises the level of adenosine in the brain, which makes us feel tired. Coffee reduces adenosine, while sleep naturally clears it from the brain.As research shows that it takes about 20 minutes for caffeine to start affecting the brain, taking a nap immediately after drinking coffee enhances its effect on adenosine.Scientists say one should drink coffee quickly in order to have enough time for the nap, which should last no more than 20 minutes. For those who do not fall asleep easily, scientists say even a half-asleep stage works.
Questions
Direction: Ask the students each question, and give the anweers later.
- 1What can you do to maximise the brain’s alertness?
- 2Why does the coffee-nap combination work so well?
- 3According to the scientists, how long should the nap be?
Coffee and naps taken together maximize the brain’s alertness.
The secret is in how the combination of caffeine and sleep affects a neuromodulator called adenosine. Normal activity slowly raises the level of adenosine in the brain, which makes us feel tired. Coffee reduces adenosine, while sleep naturally clears it from the brain.
The nap should last no more than 20 minutes.
Discussion
Direction: Discuss with the following topics.
- 1Do you prefer coffee or tea? Why?
- 2Do you usually take naps? Why or why not?
- 3What do you do in order to maximise your efficiency in the workplace?
Follow-up question1: Why do you prefer coffee/tea?
Follow-up question2: Do you think drinking too much coffee cause addiction?
Follow-up question2: Do you think drinking too much coffee cause addiction?
Follow-up question1: If so, how long do you take naps every day?
Follow-up question2: Some say that taking nap make you work more effective, which is called “power-nap.” Do you agree with this idea?
Follow-up question2: Some say that taking nap make you work more effective, which is called “power-nap.” Do you agree with this idea?
Follow-up question1: Do you think changing environment affects the efficiency of your work?
Follow-up question2: Do you think the company should provide certain benefits to make the employees work effective? How about your company?
Follow-up question2: Do you think the company should provide certain benefits to make the employees work effective? How about your company?
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