Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org
Figure 5.8 Average Hours of Required Sleep per Night
The average U.S. adult reported getting only 6.7 hours of sleep per night, which is less than the recommended range
propose by the National Sleep Foundation.
Source: Adapted from National Sleep Foundation. (2008). Sleep in America Poll. Washington, DC: Author.
Retrieved fromhttp://www.sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2008%20POLL%20SOF.PDF.
Getting needed rest is difficult in part because school and work schedules still follow the early-
to-rise timetable that was set years ago. We tend to stay up late to enjoy activities in the evening
but then are forced to get up early to go to work or school. The situation is particularly bad for
college students, who are likely to combine a heavy academic schedule with an active social life
and who may, in some cases, also work. Getting enough sleep is a luxury that many of us seem
to be unable or unwilling to afford, and yet sleeping is one of the most important things we can