Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Sleep” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Sleep

1. What is sleep, and why do we need it?
2. How many hours of sleep do you think a person needs?
3. What happens to our bodies when we sleep?
4. Do you think sleep is important for health? Why?
5. What do you think dreams are?

II. Personal Sleep Habits

6. How many hours do you usually sleep at night?
7. Do you have a bedtime routine?
8. What helps you fall asleep faster?
9. Do you prefer to sleep with lights on or off?
10. How do you feel when you don’t get enough sleep?

III. Sleep and Culture

11. How do different cultures view sleep?
12. Are there any sleep customs in your culture?
13. How do people in your country celebrate sleep or rest?
14. Do you think sleep is valued in your culture? Why or why not?
15. Are there any famous sayings about sleep in your language?

IV. Sleep Disorders

16. What do you know about sleep disorders?
17. Have you ever experienced trouble sleeping?
18. What do you think causes insomnia?
19. How can someone improve their sleep quality?
20. Do you think technology affects our sleep? How?

V. The Science of Sleep

21. What happens in our brains while we sleep?
22. How does sleep affect our memory?
23. What are sleep cycles, and why are they important?
24. How does age affect our sleep patterns?
25. What is REM sleep, and why is it important?

VI. Sleep and Productivity

26. How does lack of sleep affect our work or study?
27. Do you think napping is helpful? Why or why not?
28. What do you do to stay awake when you feel tired?
29. How can good sleep improve our performance?
30. Have you ever had a day when you felt great after a good sleep? What was it like?

VII. Sleep and Mental Health

31. How is sleep connected to mental health?
32. Do you think stress affects sleep? How?
33. What can people do to reduce stress before sleeping?
34. How can good sleep help with anxiety or depression?
35. Have you ever used relaxation techniques to help you sleep? What were they?

VIII. Sleep Technology

36. Do you use any apps or devices to help you sleep?
37. How do you feel about sleep tracking technology?
38. What are some benefits of using technology for sleep?
39. Can technology sometimes make sleep worse? How?
40. What are some common sleep gadgets you know of?

IX. Sleep and Lifestyle

41. How does diet affect sleep?
42. Do you think exercise helps with sleep? Why?
43. How does caffeine affect your sleep?
44. What are some habits that can help improve sleep quality?
45. How does your environment affect your sleep?

X. Future of Sleep Research

46. What new discoveries do you think we will make about sleep?
47. How could future technology change how we sleep?
48. What role do you think sleep will play in future health studies?
49. How can we raise awareness about the importance of sleep?
50. What do you hope to learn about sleep in the future?

XI. Sleep and Personal Experiences

51. What is the best sleep you have ever had? Why was it special?
52. Have you ever had a nightmare? What happened?
53. What is your favorite sleeping position?
54. Do you have a favorite blanket or pillow? Why?
55. How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

XII. Sleep and Future Goals

56. How do you plan to improve your sleep habits in the future?
57. What changes would you like to make to your sleep environment?
58. Do you think your sleep habits will change as you get older?
59. How important is it for you to get good sleep in the future?
60. What is your dream for your sleep life in the future?
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