Brits watch 44 movies or shows in bed a year
LIFESTYLE
10/28/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you watch TV or movies in bed?
Do you enjoy relaxing in bed during the day?
What makes your bedroom comfortable?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
spill (noun)
An amount of liquid that comes out by accident.
Example: I cleaned up a coffee spill on the bed.
recover (verb)
To become healthy again after an illness or injury.
Example: He needs a few days to recover from the flu.
comfort (noun)
A feeling of being relaxed, safe or physically comfortable.
Example: My bed gives me comfort after a long day.
individual (adjective)
Separate or belonging to one particular person.
Example: Everyone has their own individual bedtime routine.
ritual (noun)
Something you do regularly in the same way.
Example: Reading before bed is part of my nightly ritual.
Developed (B2–C2)
retreat (noun)
A quiet place where someone can escape daily pressures and relax.
Example: After a demanding week, my bedroom becomes a personal retreat.
well-being (noun)
A person's overall physical and mental health and happiness.
Example: Getting enough rest is essential for our long-term well-being.
cuddle up (phrasal verb)
To move close to someone or something to feel warm and comfortable.
Example: We cuddled up under a blanket and watched a film.
mishap (noun)
An unfortunate or unexpected accident, usually one that causes minor problems.
Example: A small mishap left a coffee stain on the sheets.
participant (noun)
A person who takes part in an activity, study or survey.
Example: Most participants said they preferred relaxing at home.
disagreement (noun)
A situation in which people have different opinions or do not agree.
Example: There was a disagreement about whether pets should sleep in the bed.
READING
Introduction
“Many people use their beds for much more than sleeping. This article explores how people relax in bed, what they enjoy doing there and why the bedroom can feel like a personal retreat.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Many people use their beds to relax, watch television, read books and enjoy snacks.
A survey of 2,000 British adults found that people in the UK watch an average of 44 movies or television shows in bed every year.
Some people also enjoy reading, cuddling with their partners or simply relaxing in a quiet environment.
However, eating and drinking in bed can cause problems, including accidental spills.
For many people, the bedroom is the most comfortable place in their home. Some would even happily spend an entire day in bed if they could.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
A survey conducted for mattress company Silentnight found that British adults watch an average of 44 movies or television shows in bed annually. The research also revealed that people use their beds for reading, eating, spending time with partners and unwinding after busy days.
Despite the comfort these activities provide, bedroom dining can lead to occasional mishaps, with participants reporting an average of nine food or drink spills each year.
Sleep historian Sasha Handley explained that beds have historically served several purposes beyond sleeping, including providing a place to read, recover from illness and have conversations.
She suggested that individual rituals transform a bed into a personal retreat associated with comfort, care and well-being.
Nevertheless, opinions differ regarding pets in bed. While some people welcome their animals into their sleeping space, others strongly oppose the idea.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
How many movies or shows do British adults watch in bed each year?
What do some people enjoy doing in bed?
Why do some people like their bedrooms?
B1–B2
What activities do people enjoy doing in bed besides sleeping?
What problems can occur when people eat or drink in bed?
Why does Sasha Handley believe beds are important beyond sleeping?
C1–C2
What does the survey suggest about the role of beds in modern lifestyles?
How can individual rituals influence a person's sense of comfort and well-being?
Why might people have conflicting attitudes towards allowing pets in their beds?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I like ___ because ___.”
“My bedroom is ___ because ___.”
“I usually ___ before bed.”
“I feel comfortable when ___.”
Personal Questions:
Do you watch movies in bed?
Do you eat snacks in bed?
Do you like reading before sleeping?
Is your bed comfortable?
Do you spend much time in your bedroom?
Do you drink tea in bed?
Do you use your phone in bed?
Do you like staying in bed late?
Do you have a bedtime ritual?
Do you like relaxing alone?
Do you have a pet?
Would you let a pet sleep in your bed?
Do you prefer watching TV or reading?
What makes you feel comfortable at home?
Would you spend a whole day in bed?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I enjoy ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One thing that makes my bedroom comfortable is ___, which helps me ___ and ___.”
“I prefer ___ because it allows me to ___, especially when ___.”
“Although ___, I think ___ because ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why do you think people enjoy watching movies in bed?
How often do you relax in bed without sleeping?
What activities help you unwind after a demanding day?
Do you think eating in bed is enjoyable or impractical?
Have you ever had an embarrassing accident involving food or drinks in bed?
How has your bedtime routine changed over the years?
What makes a bedroom feel comfortable and inviting?
Do you think people spend too much time in bed?
Would you happily spend an entire day in bed? Why or why not?
What are the advantages of reading before going to sleep?
How important is personal comfort for your well-being?
Do you think couples should have the same sleeping habits?
Why might some people dislike having pets in bed?
Have you ever stayed somewhere with an exceptionally comfortable bed?
What would your perfect lazy Sunday look like?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I believe ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___ and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant factor is ___, which influences ___ and ___; nevertheless, ___.”
“Although ___ may seem ___, it could actually ___, particularly when ___ and ___.”
“From my perspective, ___ reflects ___; ultimately, this raises the question of ___.”
Personal Questions:
What do people's bedroom habits reveal about modern lifestyles and attitudes towards leisure?
To what extent has technology changed the way people use their beds?
Could spending excessive time in bed negatively affect productivity or well-being?
Why do you think people associate their beds with safety, comfort and emotional security?
How important are personal rituals in helping people manage stress?
Do you think modern life has made people more dependent on comfortable home environments?
How might watching screens in bed affect people's sleep quality and daily routines?
Is there a meaningful difference between resting and avoiding responsibilities?
How do cultural differences influence attitudes towards sleeping arrangements?
Should pets be allowed to sleep in their owners' beds, or should boundaries be maintained?
How might changes in working patterns affect the way people use their bedrooms?
Do you think the bedroom should primarily be a place for sleep, or should it serve multiple purposes?
How does the design of our living spaces influence our mental health?
Could the desire for comfort sometimes prevent people from challenging themselves?
What does the popularity of spending leisure time in bed suggest about society's relationship with work and relaxation?
