Final answer:
Seventeen-year-old Quentin should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night, as this is the recommended amount for teenagers to support their health and well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seventeen-year-old Quentin requires at least 8 hours of sleep each night for healthy development and functioning. Answer C, which states 'at least 8,' is supported by a large body of research that suggests teenagers need more sleep than adults. A study found that on average, teenagers sleep more than adults, with teenagers having a mean sleep duration of 8.9 hours. This aligns with recommendations from health organizations that indicate teenagers should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and functioning.
Moreover, the consequences of accumulating a sleep debt include decreased levels of alertness and mental efficiency, underscoring the importance of sufficient sleep. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes this point by highlighting the different sleep requirements across the lifespan, with teenagers falling in the 7-9 hours range.