The Economic Times

8-hour sleep rule is old and too simple, research says. Find out how much sleep do humans actually need

The popular eight-hour sleep rule may not be a fixed requirement for every adult, according to recent research. Studies of pre-industrial societies and modern populations suggest that ideal sleep duration can vary between individuals, with factors such as age, sex and health playing a role. Researchers also say sleep timing and regularity matter, while artificial light and modern lifestyles can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle.