People race to fall asleep in unusual contest

Nick's ESL News Lessons

A printable worksheet for news-based English conversation classes.

Date: 2026/11/05

Difficulty: Intermediate B1 / 英検® 2級

PDF: People race to fall asleep in unusual contest

Vocabulary Match

demanding •	• people taking part
participants •	• demonstrate
prove •	• checking
monitored •	• observed
measuring •	• challenging
quality •	• standard

Show Answers

Vocabulary Answers

demanding	challenging
participants	people taking part
prove	demonstrate
monitored	observed
measuring	checking
quality	standard

Article

Japan is known for its demanding work culture, and many people struggle to get enough sleep. In October 2026, a mattress company organised an unusual competition in Tokyo called the "Matt Race". Dozens of participants lay on beds for up to 90 minutes, hoping to prove they could fall asleep quickly and enjoy the best-quality rest.

Special devices monitored their sleep, measuring how deeply and peacefully they rested. The winner received more than two million yen. Using the name Suimii, she said she planned to spend the money on moving house and buying a beautiful new bed. "I want to sleep like a princess," she explained.

Quiz

What was the name of the competition?
How long did the participants lie on the beds?
What did the winner plan to do with the money?
How much money did the winner receive?

Show Answers

Quiz Answers (examples)

The competition was organised by a company that makes beds.
Participants were judged on how quickly and peacefully they fell asleep.
The winner planned to use the money to improve her living situation.
The winner received more than two million beds.

Conversation

A:	Did you hear about the Matt Race in Tokyo?
B:	Yes. Imagine getting paid for having a nap!
A:	More than two million yen, apparently.
B:	That's not bad for 90 minutes' work!
A:	I wonder how well I'd do.
B:	I'd certainly be happy to give it a try!