We all know that a good night's rest helps us stay healthy. After we sleep for 7 or 8 hours in bed and {#blank#}1{#/blank#} up next morning, our mind is better prepared to memorize and learn something.

    But what about getting a rest during the middle of the day?

    Scientists say, “Short periods of sleep, napping (小睡), may help learning and memory. Napping can help young children learn better. It can {#blank#}2{#/blank#}  help older people remember longer.”

    Take China as an example. Chinese people are used to napping after lunch.

    Recently researchers made a survey among nearly 3,000 Chinese people over 65 years old. The researchers asked them {#blank#}3{#/blank#} they napped and for how long. They found that about 60 percent of them took a nap and they napped for 60 to 90 minutes. The research shows that napping for about an hour is the best.

    However, these are the findings for those  {#blank#}4{#/blank#} the age of 65. Doctors say that napping for about an hour may be too  {#blank#}5{#/blank#} for young and healthy people. And they believe that half an hour is enough to {#blank#}6{#/blank#} young and healthy people from feeling tired. By doing so, {#blank#}7{#/blank#} will help them stay awake.

    Doctors also say, “If you have trouble falling asleep at {#blank#}8{#/blank#} , take a daytime nap for less than 45 minutes and don't nap after 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

In 1990, when I {#blank#}1{#/blank#} nine years old, I wanted very much to find {#blank#}2{#/blank#}pen pal, I found Ashley's address in a magazine, and decided {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (write) to her.

    I sent off my letter with a little hope. Very quickly, I received her letter.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} my surprise, Ashley was only one month {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (old) than me, I learned some new expressions from her. {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(real) liked this new friend.

    Letter after letter, year after year, Ashley and I continued to write to one another. A letter would be received and I'd write back right, away. We would send each other birthday and Christmas {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (gift).

Eight years later, my parents decided it was time {#blank#}8{#/blank#} me to meet this friend. They drove me down to Mississippi for a few days. We {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (have) a fun time together. We did the things that teenage girls love to do.

    Twenty-five years after the {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (one) letter, Ashley and I still have an amazing friendship.

    Although we don't write letters now, we communicate through mobile phones and the Internet.