Final answer:
Young adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep every 24 hours to function optimally and to avoid sleep debt which can affect their mental efficiency and alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most young adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every 24 hours. Research has shown that, while individual needs can vary slightly, this is the range recommended for adults to function at their best. Compared to younger and older age groups, this amount may seem moderate. Teenagers, for instance, often require more sleep due to developmental needs, and might sleep on average around 8.9 hours. However, as people progress into older adulthood, sleep duration tends to decrease, averaging fewer than 7 hours per night.
Insufficient sleep can lead to a sleep debt, which has consequences on alertness and mental efficiency. The National Sleep Foundation has highlighted the importance of achieving adequate sleep to avoid accumulating a sleep debt, which is common in modern society due to factors such as extended work hours and increased use of electric lighting.
It's also worth noting that college students might struggle to get the recommended amount of sleep, not necessarily because of partying or studying late, but because of stress and the overwhelming nature of their responsibilities. This adds to the significance of adhering to the 7-9 hours sleep guideline to maintain good physical and mental health.