Question

More and more people are taking their iPads to bed with them to surf the web, check facebook or send e-mails before switching off the light. But researchers are warning that the blue light their screens give off can stop users getting a good night’s sleep. That is because this type of light is similar to daylight, convincing the brain that it is still daytime. Blue light prevents the production of a brain chemical called melatonin, which helps us fall asleep. By contrast, light which is more orange or red does not prevent melatonin production, perhaps because our brains recognize it as a cue that the day ends.

Scientists have known for years that staring at screens late in the evening can affect sleep ---- they are television screens, computer screens or mobile phone screens. However, because mobiles and iPads are by nature portable ---- not to say addictive ---- more people are taking them into the bedroom. Users also tend to hold them much closer to their eyes than a computer or television screen.

Researchers are warning that looking at iPad displays for more than two hours leads to lower natural melatonin levels as the devices give off blue light. They say, “Turning off the devices at night is the final solution. But if you have to use these devices at night, dim the display to cut down irritation of the eyes and limit the time you spend on them before bed.”

They wrote in the journal Applied Ergonomics(应用人类工程学) that iPad makers should adjust the spectral power distribution(光谱功率分布) of the devices so that they affect the sleep patterns of users less.

It is not just a good night’s sleep that could be harmed by too much late night screen time. Researchers know that long-term harm to sleep patterns can lead to an increased risk of obesity and even cancers.

1.Blue light prevents iPad users from sleeping well because ____.

A. it is the same as daylight which keeps people awake

B. it makes the brain more active

C. it is brighter than light that is more orange or red

D. it can help decrease the production of melatonin

2.The underlined phrase “dim the display” means ____.

A. keep away from the display

B. make the display less bright

C. clean the display carefully

D. turn off the display

3. In the last paragraph, the author intends to ____.

A. warn of the seriousness of long-term poor sleep

B. call on researchers to study sleep patterns

C. show the danger of obesity and cancers

D. show how sleep is harmed by using iPads too much

4.What’s the main idea of the passage?

A. Scientists are warning that blue light is bad for our health.

B. People should limit the use of electronic devices

C. Using iPads before bed can cause a poor night’s sleep.

D. Looking at screens of iPads increase chances of sleeplessness.

Answer 1

1.D

2.B

3.A

4.C

【解析】

试题分析: 很多人喜欢睡前躺在床上拿iPad或手机上网、看电影或者玩游戏。最近有研究显示，这种行为会影响睡眠质量。

1.D细节理解题。根据 “Blue light prevents the production of a brain chemical called melatonin, which helps us fall asleep.”可知，电子设备发出的蓝光阻止了大脑产生一种有助于睡眠的化学物质--- melatonin。故选D。

2.B细节理解题。本文主要讲的是“电子设备发出的蓝光不利于睡眠”可知，此处是说“如果晚上一定要用电子设备，要把光线调暗。”故选B。

3.A推理判断题。根据最后一段的内容“长期睡眠不足，能够增加得肥胖症和癌症的危险”可知，此段是警告我们长期睡眠不好的严重性。故选A

4.C主旨大意题。本文是一篇新闻类短文，开头说明文章的主旨大意“蓝光对身体有害”。故选C。

考点：新闻类短文