Final answer:
The average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can lead to sleep debt, affecting alertness and mental efficiency, and sleep plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and physical health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research indicates that the average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep each night. As we grow older, our sleep requirements decrease from up to 16 hours for newborns to less than 7 hours for people over 65. The National Sleep Foundation has cited studies showing a range of 7-9 hours for adults, which makes option 2 the correct answer.
Insufficient sleep can lead to a sleep debt, which negatively affects alertness and mental efficiency. Many adults sleep less than 7-8 hours due to increased activity during nighttime hours facilitated by electric lighting, which can lead to a chronic sleep debt. Moreover, studies show that while teenagers may average more sleep than adults, many college students struggle to get the recommended amount, often due to stress rather than social activities or studying.
Sleep is crucial for various aspects of health, including learning and memory, and physical growth. The body secretes important hormones during sleep, and there are different stages of sleep that contribute to our overall well-being. Recognizing the symptoms of sleep debt and the importance of sufficient sleep can help in maintaining a healthy lifestyle