IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1250 - Many people have difficulties getting enough sleep
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep.
What problems can lack of sleep cause?
What can be done about lack of sleep?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
In today's fast-paced society, getting adequate sleep has become increasingly challenging for many people. The consequences of sleep deprivation can be far-reaching and have negative impacts on both physical and mental health. This essay will discuss the problems caused by a lack of sleep and potential solutions to address this issue.
The lack of sleep can lead to a wide range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Sleep deprivation can also weaken people's immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses. In addition to physical health problems, lack of sleep can also affect mental health, causing mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Prolonged sleep deprivation can even lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
To combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation and to have enough sleep, several strategies can be employed. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a sleep-conducive environment are essential steps towards better sleep. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, especially in the evening, can also help. In some cases, practising relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help promote better sleep.
Another solution to address sleep deprivation is through the use of technology. For example, there are apps and wearable devices that can track sleep patterns and provide insights into sleep quality. These technologies can help individuals understand their sleep habits and make changes to improve sleep.
In conclusion, the problems caused by a lack of sleep are significant and can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. However, there are several solutions to address this issue, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, avoiding stimulants, practising relaxation techniques, and using technology to track and improve sleep. By implementing these strategies, individuals can prioritize their sleep and improve their overall health and well-being.
Sample Answer 2:
Modern people seem like sleeping fewer hours than ever before, and their problems with proper sleeping and rest are becoming more severe over time. Sleep deprivation can cause many health and social problems, and we need to take immediate measures to address this pressing issue.
Among the problems caused by sleeplessness or inconsistent sleeping patterns, health-related problems are imminent. A lack of sleep can be a leading cause of many extreme health issues including high blood pressure, poor heart health, obesity and diabetes. Insomnia not only causes those diseases to develop in our bodies but also accelerates their intensity and detrimental effects. Moreover, sleep deprivation has a psychological toll that worsens our mood and intensifies our depression. When people struggle to sleep properly, they start developing mental issues that can negatively affect their health and well-being. For instance, research shows that seven out of ten mild and moderate mental patients have problems sleeping at night which is often the reason their mental health has deteriorated to such an extent in the first place.
Moreover, sleep deprivation has social consequences. It is scientifically proven that we need sound sleep to function properly and be productive when we are awake. Insomnolence often reduces our performance and makes us erratic in our social relationships. For instance, interesting research published in a health magazine last year reveals that almost eight out of ten people find it difficult to concentrate on their work or engage in meaningful conversations with others who suffer from stress and insomnia.
To address this relatively modern problem, we need to take several initiatives. First, we have to eat our dinner early and do some moderate exercise before we get ready to go to bed. An early meal and exercise are proven to help us sleep faster. Moreover, we can reduce our screen time before we go to sleep. Research shows that if we keep scrolling through posts and videos that fill our social media applications or watch TV programmes hour after hour, we face difficulties getting good sleep.
To conclude, a lack of sleep can cause many negative physical, psychological and social problems. That is why we need to address them effectively by taking measures like eating our dinners early, doing regular exercise and not using any digital device when it is time to fall asleep.
Model Answer 3:
In today's fast-paced society, many individuals struggle to get sufficient sleep. This lack of sleep is often attributed to the increasing demands of work and the pervasive use of electronic devices. As a result, inadequate rest can have serious consequences, including diminished cognitive function and heightened stress levels. Fortunately, there are practical steps that can be taken to address these issues and promote better sleep quality.
One of the primary problems caused by insufficient sleep is impaired cognitive function. When individuals do not get enough rest, their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and retain information is significantly reduced. For example, students who regularly sacrifice sleep in favour of studying may find themselves struggling to focus during exams, ultimately hindering their academic performance. Additionally, a lack of sleep is closely linked to an increase in stress and anxiety. Without enough rest, the body becomes more susceptible to emotional distress, leading to heightened irritability and a decreased ability to cope with daily challenges. An individual working long hours may experience this firsthand, feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage their workload effectively.
To combat these problems, one solution is to establish a consistent sleep schedule. By going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, individuals can regulate their internal body clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. For instance, a person who follows a regular sleep routine is likely to experience more restful sleep and feel more energized throughout the day. Another effective solution is reducing screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Limiting screen exposure in the evening can help the body prepare for restful sleep.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by insufficient sleep can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. However, by implementing strategies such as a regular sleep schedule and reducing screen time, individuals can significantly improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep.
What problems can lack of sleep cause?
What can be done about lack of sleep?
Essay Type:
Problem and Solution Essay.
Main Question of This Essay:
What problems arise from lack of sleep and what solutions can be implemented to address this issue?
Problems caused by lack of sleep:
1. Impaired cognitive function:
Sleep deprivation affects the brain's ability to function optimally, leading to poor concentration, memory loss, and difficulty in decision-making. For example, students may struggle to focus during exams due to lack of rest.
2. Increased stress and anxiety:
Insufficient sleep heightens stress levels, making it difficult for individuals to manage emotions and cope with daily challenges. This may lead to irritability and mental exhaustion, impacting overall well-being.
3. Weakened immune system:
Chronic sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. For instance, people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to catch colds or experience prolonged recovery times.
4. Increased risk of chronic health conditions:
A lack of sleep is associated with a higher risk of developing serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Studies show that inadequate rest can contribute to the development of these conditions over time.
5. Poor mental health:
Chronic lack of sleep has been linked to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. For example, individuals suffering from insomnia often experience mood swings and feelings of hopelessness.
6. Reduced work productivity:
Lack of sleep negatively impacts work performance, causing delays, mistakes, and decreased productivity. People may find it difficult to stay alert and focused on tasks, leading to a drop in overall efficiency.
Solutions to address lack of sleep:
1. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule:
Maintaining a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the body's internal clock, leading to better quality sleep. For example, someone who follows a consistent sleep routine may find it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
2. Reducing screen time before bed:
The blue light emitted from screens interferes with melatonin production, making it harder for people to fall asleep. By limiting screen exposure an hour before bedtime, individuals can improve their chances of restful sleep.
3. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine:
Engaging in calming activities before bed, such as reading or listening to soothing music, can help individuals unwind and prepare their body for sleep. For example, practicing meditation or taking a warm bath can promote relaxation and induce sleep.
4. Improving sleep environment:
A quiet, dark, and cool bedroom creates an ideal sleep environment. Using blackout curtains, eliminating noise, and ensuring the room temperature is comfortable can help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
5. Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption:
Consuming stimulating substances such as caffeine or alcohol late in the day can interfere with sleep. Avoiding these substances in the evening can help individuals get a more restful night's sleep.
6. Exercise during the day:
Regular physical activity helps regulate sleep patterns and promotes deeper sleep. However, intense exercise should be avoided too close to bedtime, as it can make falling asleep more difficult.
Insomnia can disrupt the harmony of the body which has both physical and mental implications. To elaborate, changes in the sleeping cycle due to excessive smartphone usage can create an imbalance in the circadian rhythm by decreasing the levels of melatonin, as the lights emitted from such electronic devices are harmful to the human body. As a consequence, the stress levels elevate leading to a cascade of events causing dizziness and lack of concentration. Therefore, ignoring the sleeping hours can cause havoc in the overall performance of an individual.
There are possible ways to overcome such problems. One of them, being, limiting the usage of electronic devices. This can be achieved by setting a timer-based locking of the device which cannot be used for set intervals of time. Subsequently, allotting time to maintain physical well-being by performing exercises in the gym or the outdoors can ameliorate stress levels which in turn can also provide mental peace. Thus, setting a small but realistic goal can assist in promoting proper sleep.
To conclude, there is a growing number of the population facing problems such as light-headedness or improper attention due to limited interval of sleeping hours. Prioritizing on restrictive usage of electronics and focusing on enhancing performance by conducting proper exercise can help in mitigating such problems.
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