Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or sleep restfully. It is a problem to nearly everyone at some time. A person may be awake for an hour in the middle of the night and then, next morning, feel that he hardly sleep all night. Normally, worry about not getting enough sleep is the worst aspect of most insomnia. If insomnia happens again and again, however, it is important to find its causes and try to correct them, with the help of a doctor if necessary.
Any of a large number of simple factors may make it difficult for someone to fall asleep or remain asleep. His mattress （床垫） may be too soft or too hard. If there are too many blankets on a hot night, he may be too warm; if the bedclothes are too light he may feel cold during the night. If it is not dark enough, or too noisy, this may cause difficulty in sleeping. Eating shortly before going to bed also be responsible for insomnia. Stimulating drinks, such as tea or coffee, can also keep people awake.
Inability to fall asleep is sometimes a symptom（症状） of emotional or mental disorders. Insomnia may also be caused by pain and, very rarely, it can be a symptom of a physical disease.
The cause of insomnia may be easy to correct. The sufferer should check the mattress, bedclothes and bedroom temperature, and make any necessary changes. An eye mask keeps out the light and ear-plugs shut out sound. He should relax for an hour or two before bedtime, perhaps by reading a book; watching TV or taking a warm bath. If he wakes during the night he should try turning on the light and reading for a while. Taking warm milk and a biscuit or two may be helpful. Above all, he should try not to worry about sleeplessness when someone is tired enough he nearly always falls asleep.
If necessary, a doctor may prescribe （开处方） tranquillizers （镇静剂） or sleeping pills. Take only the dosage he prescribes; any more is dangerous.
1．According to the writer, insomnia is _________.
A．a rare problem B．a sign of illness
C．a common complaint D．a modern disease
2．People who have difficulty sleeping should sleep in_________.
A．a light room B．a dark room
C．a cold room D．a warm room
3．Insomnia needn’t be taken seriously because__________.
A．people can catch on sleep during the day
B．many people sleep far too much
C．it can easily be cured by doctors
D．it is cured naturally by tiredness
4．The main cure for insomnia is_________.
A．not to read too much at night B．not to eat too much for supper
C．not to watch too much television D．not to get too anxious about sleeping