What is the average sleep need for adults aged 18 and older?

The average sleep need for adults aged 18 and older is typically recognized as 7-9 hours per night. This range is supported by numerous sleep studies and guidelines from health organizations that emphasize the importance of sufficient sleep for overall health, cognitive function, and well-being. Getting at least this amount of sleep has been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, improved mood and alertness, and better overall performance in daily activities.

Research indicates that both insufficient and excessive sleep can have negative health implications. Therefore, aiming for 7-9 hours allows individuals to optimize their sleep quality and ensures they enter the necessary sleep cycles for restorative processes. In contrast, sleep durations outside this range, such as those in the other options, do not align with the established recommendations for promoting optimal health in adults.