The perfect or ideal amount of sleep is not a single, fixed number but rather a range that varies significantly based on an individual's age. Leading health organizations provide specific recommendations to ensure optimal health and well-being.
According to data compiled from the National Sleep Foundation (US) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)/Sleep Research Society (SRS) (US), the recommended sleep durations for different age groups are as follows:
Recommended Sleep Durations by Age Group
There is a clear consensus among sleep experts that sleep needs evolve throughout life. Below are the general recommendations for teenagers and adults:
| Age Group | National Sleep Foundation (US) Recommendation | AASM/SRS (US) Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers (14–17 years) | 8–10 hours | 8–10 hours |
| Young adults (18–25 years) | 7–9 hours | ≥7 hours |
| Adults (26–64 years) | 7–9 hours |
- Teenagers (14-17 years): This age group requires a substantial amount of sleep to support their rapid development and high activity levels, with both organizations recommending 8–10 hours.
- Young Adults (18-25 years): As individuals transition into adulthood, their sleep needs slightly decrease. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7–9 hours, while AASM/SRS suggests at least 7 hours.
- Adults (26-64 years): For the majority of their adult lives, individuals in this age bracket are recommended to get 7–9 hours of sleep by the National Sleep Foundation. The provided reference does not specify a separate recommendation for this group from AASM/SRS, but their "≥7 hours" for young adults generally extends to this age as well.
It's important to remember that while these are general guidelines, individual needs can vary slightly within these recommended ranges. Factors such as activity level, health status, and genetics can influence the optimal amount of sleep for a specific person.
