Shadowing Practice: Why do we get Nightmares? + more videos | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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It's AumSum Time.
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Why do we get nightmares?
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Because everyday my teacher conducts a surprise test.
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No. On waking, we feel our heart pounding and can usually recollect the nightmare.
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Nightmares usually occur during the REM stage of sleep.
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Even though they are more common in children, many adults also experience them.
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There could be multiple reasons behind nightmares.
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Having late-night snacks increases our metabolism.
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Triggering more brainwaves and causing nightmares.
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Certain medications like blood pressure medications, antidepressants, etc.
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Can also cause nightmares.
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Also, if we are sleep deprived or have certain sleep disorders.
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This can also lead to nightmares.
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Stress and anxiety can also lead to adult nightmares.
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People who have experienced a huge trauma or are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Can also suffer from nightmares.
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Thus, eating healthy.
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Sleeping on a schedule and staying stress-free can help us stay away from nightmares.
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What is sleep paralysis?
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No idea. Sleep paralysis is a condition in which we are conscious.
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But temporarily unable to move or speak.
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It can usually occur when we suddenly wake up during REM sleep.
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What is REM sleep.
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Basically, there are four stages of sleep.
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One of them is Rapid eye movement sleep, i.e., REM sleep.
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In this stage, we dream.
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Researchers suggest that when we enter REM sleep.
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Two chemicals, glycine and GABA "switch off" the activity of cells.
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In the brain that allow our muscles to move.
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Oh no. This is so bad.
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No. It is actually beneficial because paralyzed muscles prevent us.
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From enacting our dreams in reality and getting hurt.
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However, sometimes we suddenly wake up during REM sleep.
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But if glycine and GABA are still active.
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We are temporarily unable to move, even though we are conscious.
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This is called sleep paralysis.
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Which is the best sleeping position?
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Mine. Alright.
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Let's see. Sleeping on our back allows our spine to rest in a neutral position.
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Preventing neck and back pain.
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Also, as the face is not pressed against the pillow.
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It avoids over wrinkling.
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However, this position is prone to more snoring.
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Sleeping on our stomach prevents snoring but makes it difficult to maintain a neutral spine position.
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It puts pressure on our joints and muscles, leading to numbness, neck and back pain, etc.
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Sleeping on our side keeps the spine elongated and prevents neck and back pain.
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Sleeping especially on the left side decreases acid reflux, improves blood circulation, digestion, etc.
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However, side sleeping presses our face against the pillow and increases the chances of wrinkling.
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Some people even curl up tightly while sleeping on one side.
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This restricts breathing.
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Now, since all positions have advantages and disadvantages, there is no best position.
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But if sleeping in a specific position is causing problems.
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You can switch to other positions for better results.
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My horse fainted.
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Somebody help.
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HaHa. Just Kidding.
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Horses can sleep lying down, but being massive in size.
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They wouldn’t be able to get up and run from predators.
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Also, Lying down for long restricts blood circulation putting pressure on their organs.
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Hence, through evolution.
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They developed a mechanism called stay apparatus.
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In which they lock the ligaments and tendons of their legs to avoid falling, Thus helping them take small naps while standing.

Why practice speaking with this video?

Using the video "Why do we get Nightmares?" as a speaking practice tool is highly beneficial for English learners. It not only covers a fascinating topic that captures attention but also provides an excellent context for developing speaking skills. Engaging with the content through shadow speak allows you to dive deeper into the subject while enhancing your vocabulary and pronunciation. The interactive nature of this practice can bring dynamism to your learning process, especially for those preparing for tests like the IELTS speaking practice.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Analyzing the transcript reveals several key grammar structures and expressions:

  • Conditional sentences: The speaker uses phrases like "if we are sleep deprived," which illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship. This structure is essential for expressing possibilities.
  • Present simple tense: Regularly used throughout the video, such as "Nightmares usually occur." Understanding the present simple tense helps convey habitual actions and general truths, a crucial aspect of clear communication.
  • Modals of advice: Phrases like "can help us stay away from nightmares" show how to suggest solutions or advice, an important skill in both casual and formal conversations.

Leverage these structures through the shadowing technique as you repeat them aloud, improving your fluency and confidence.

Common Pronunciation Traps

As you practice with this video, pay attention to specific words and phrases that may pose challenges. Here are some common pronunciation traps:

  • Nightmares: The stress falls on the first syllable, /ˈnaɪt.mɛərz/, which can be tricky for some learners.
  • Meditation: Often mispronounced; the correct pronunciation is /ˌmɛd.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/. Make sure to articulate the 't' clearly to avoid confusion.
  • Trauma: The first syllable has a different sound than it appears; pronounced /ˈtrɔː.mə/, learners might be tempted to emphasize it incorrectly.

Utilizing a shadowspeak approach by mimicking the speaker's intonation and rhythm enhances your ability to pronounce these tricky words correctly. Regular practice will lead to improved clarity in your spoken English.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.