What is the recommended amount of sleep for individuals aged 18 years and older?

The recommended amount of sleep for individuals aged 18 years and older is 7-9 hours. This range is supported by research from organizations such as the National Sleep Foundation, which emphasizes that most adults function best with this amount of rest for optimal physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

Sleep in this range allows for crucial processes such as memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical recovery to occur, enhancing overall performance and functioning in daily life. Both insufficient sleep and excessive sleep can lead to adverse health outcomes, making adherence to the 7-9 hour recommendation significant for maintaining health and preventing issues such as sleep disorders, mental health problems, and chronic conditions.

Other ranges provided, such as 5-7 hours or higher amounts like 9-11 hours, are not aligned with the evidence suggesting what is optimal for adult sleep needs. While there may be variability depending on individual differences and lifestyle factors, the guideline of 7-9 hours remains the standard for most adults.