Đề thi VSTEP Full B2 — Giấc ngủ hiện đại & Không gian xanh đô thị (vòng 4)

In recent decades, sleep duration has steadily declined across industrialised nations. The average adult now sleeps roughly 6.8 hours per night, nearly an hour less than in the 1970s. Researchers attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including the widespread use of smartphones, longer working hours, and rising levels of stress. The consequences of chronic sleep loss extend well beyond daytime drowsiness. Studies have linked insufficient sleep to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and impaired immune function. Cognitive performance also suffers; people who sleep fewer than six hours nightly score significantly lower on memory and decision-making tests. Despite these findings, many people continue to undervalue sleep. Unlike diet and exercise, rest is rarely treated as a core component of a healthy lifestyle. Health authorities now recommend that adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and advise reducing screen exposure before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to today's lecture on urban planning. I'd like to begin by asking a simple question: when was the last time you visited a park in your city? If you had to think about it for more than a few seconds, you're certainly not alone. Recent research suggests that access to green spaces significantly influences the physical and mental wellbeing of city residents. A European study tracking ten thousand participants over five years found that people living within walking distance of a park reported lower stress levels and better overall health than those in neighbourhoods without greenery. The benefits extend beyond individual health. Urban parks help reduce air pollution, regulate local temperatures, and support biodiversity by providing habitats for birds and insects. City planners are now incorporating these findings into new developments, creating networks of green corridors that connect larger parks with residential areas. However, ensuring equal access remains a challenge, as greener neighbourhoods are often the most expensive ones.