阅读理解
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan ' s Center for Human Growth
and Development shows that children aged 9 t0 12 who sleep less than nine hours a night can have real
problems with gaining weight.
Dr.Julie Lumeng, lead author of the report said, " Many children aren't getting enough sleep , which
may not only make them annoyed or prevent them from being active and ready to learn at
school,but also lead to a higher risk of being overweight. " Reuters reports.
She also said that children who sleep more than 10 hours a night are more willing to play and consume
their energy , rather than staying in bed or watching TV as their tired fellows do.
It is also said that hormonal(荷尔蒙) changes brought on by a lack of sleep can lead to an increased
appetite.
The study focused on 785 children aged 9 to 12 from 10 different states and it confirmed that 18%
were overweight by the time they reached the sixth grade. Children who do not sleep nine or more hours
a night when they are in the third grade are more likely to gain weight by the time they are in the sixth
grade.
The conclusion of the study is very simple :
"Our findings also provide additional support for policies that approve of later school start times. The
very early school start times for US children have raised concerns in the medical community because of
their apparent negative effects on sleep duration(廷续性) and , consequently, children's general
academic and behavioral functioning , " Reuters reports.
According to National Sleep Foundation, children in first grade should sleep from 10 to 12 hours a
night.
Dr. Julie Lumeng' s report was published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (小
儿辩 ) in November.
1. According to Dr. Julie Lumeng, if children lack sleep, they _____.
A. fall asleep during the lecture
B. become unhappy and inactive
C. are ready to leam their lessons
D. are active in doing school work
2. Children who get enough sleep seem more active because_____.
A. they experience a pleasant time
B. they are better at playing sports
C. they have enough energy to use
D. their personalities are more outgoing
3. What does the author want to argue in Paragraph 5?
A. Students in the third grade are more likely to gain weight.
B. A lack of sleep is associated with weight gain.
C. Less than one fifth of children are overweight.
D. The longer they sleep , the heavier they become.
4. Why has medical community showed concerns about US children ?
A. Because US children traditionally get up very late.
B. Because many students complain of too long school hours.
C. Because later school start times may affect children physically.
D. Because a lack of sleep creates harmful effects on children.
5. What is the best title for the text?
A. Lack of Sleep Leads to Childhood Overweight
B. A Recent Study on Health Problem
C. A Danger to Children's Health
D. Sleep Time and Overweight