Final answer:
The false statement is that most high school students get the recommended amount of sleep. Evidence suggests they often suffer from sleep debt due to various factors, contrary to the statement given in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding sleep patterns across the life cycle that is FALSE is: a. Contrary to the common perception, most high school students get the recommended amount of sleep for adolescents. Studies and statistical data suggest that most high school students do not get the recommended amount of sleep. Adolescents are often found to be sleep-deprived compared to adults, and factors contributing to this may include academic demands, social activities, and possibly the use of electronic devices. Substantial evidence indicates that sleep debt is a common issue among teenagers.
Infants and children indeed spend more time in REM sleep than adults, and the required amount of sleep does change over the life cycle. By late adulthood, many individuals may need only about six to seven hours of sleep per night, but some may still require the previously recommended eight hours. Additionally, research generally supports the claim that the average American sleeps less than the recommended amount, contributing to chronic sleep deprivation across various age groups.