One sheep, two sheep. Wait, why are we counting sheep again? Counting sheep to fall asleep is a method that seems to be as old as time. But have you ever stopped to think about why they’re sheep? Why not cats? Or dogs?

While the origin of why people count sheep to fall asleep has no exact root, there’re a few guesses. The most popular belief, according to Mental Floss, has to do with shepherds in Britain in Middle Ages. Apparently, if shepherds used communal grazing land (公共牧场), they were responsible to keep a headcount of their sheep each night So before going to sleep, they counted their sheep to ensure they were all accounted for.

But at least one book claims the link between sheep and sleep goes back even further, reports Mental Floss. “A chapter in Disciplina Clericalis suggests that counting sheep has already been part of certain cultures for centuries.”

So does counting sheep to fall asleep actually work? Apparently, you might want to seek other options first. “Involving the brain in a relaxing, repetitive task slows the mind, and stops our racing stressful thoughts from taking over,” says Hilary Thompson, a health consultant. “Unfortunately, counting sheep isn’t one of these helpful tasks. Researchers at Oxford University put it to the test and discovered that subjects who pictured running waterfalls and rivers could fall asleep more quickly.”

In addition to picturing something relaxing, breathing techniques also tend to be very effective sleeping aids. “I prefer to teach patients the breath work,” says Dr Elizabeth Trattner. “Breath in through the nose for a count of 4, hold for 7 and make a whooshing noise out for the count of 8. This breathing technique resets the body, and lowers both stress and anxiety.”

【小题1】Before going to bed, why did shepherds count sheep?

A．To learn to count numbers.

B．To help fall asleep quickly.

C．To make all sheep were there.

D．To play games with other shepherds.

【小题2】What can be inferred from the book Disciplina Clericalis?

A．Counting sheep has a long history.

B．The book was written for a long time.

C．Counting sheep was quite interesting.

D．The book describes life of shepherds.

【小题3】What is Hilary Thompson’s view on counting sheep?

A．It is helpful to sleep.	B．It doesn’t work very well.
C．It increases sleep time.	D．It makes mind relaxing.

【小题4】What is the best way to fall asleep quickly by Elizabeth Trattner?

A．Listening to soft music.	B．Picturing water running.
C．Imagining relaxing things.	D．Applying breathing techniques.