What is the recommended sleep duration for young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 years?

The recommended sleep duration for young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 years is 7-9 hours. This guideline is supported by the National Sleep Foundation, which emphasizes that sufficient sleep is crucial for overall health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical performance. During this developmental stage, young adults experience various stresses, including academic pressures and social changes, making adequate rest particularly important for maintaining optimal health and functioning.

Getting between 7 to 9 hours of sleep allows for necessary restorative processes, including memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical recovery. It also helps mitigate risks associated with insufficient sleep, such as increased susceptibility to mental health issues, impaired academic performance, and reduced physical health.

The other options suggest either lower or higher ranges than the accepted guidelines. For example, sleeping for only 6-8 hours may not provide enough restorative rest, while 8-10 or 9-11 hours exceeds the general recommendation for this age group and could indicate an underlying issue if consistently necessary. Therefore, the 7-9 hour range is the most balanced and beneficial for young adults.