Wananchi Opinion: Let’s have a policy on minimum sleeping hours for boarding students

Education is a critical pillar of national development, and boarding schools in Kenya play a significant role in shaping students' academic and personal growth.

However, an alarming trend has emerged in these institutions: students are subjected to excessively long study hours at the expense of sleep.

Many schools implement rigorous academic schedules that leave learners with inadequate rest, leading to negative consequences on their health, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being.

To address this issue, there is a pressing need for a policy mandating minimum sleeping hours for students in Kenyan boarding schools.

Such a policy would enhance academic performance, improve students’ mental and physical health, and promote a more balanced school environment.

Lack of sufficient sleep among students has far-reaching consequences. Studies show that teenagers require at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning, yet many boarding school students get far less. The consequences of sleep deprivation include:

Poor academic performance. One of the primary justifications for long study hours in boarding schools is the belief that more time spent studying leads to better academic outcomes.

However, research indicates that sleep is crucial for memory retention, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

When students do not get enough sleep, their cognitive abilities decline, leading to difficulty in understanding concepts, reduced attention spans, and poor academic performance. Sleep-deprived students struggle to retain information, making long study hours counterproductive.

Mental and emotional health issues. Sleep deprivation is closely linked to mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress, and depression.

In many boarding schools, students wake up as early as 4:00 am and sleep past 11:00 pm, leaving them exhausted and mentally drained. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, making students more prone to mood swings, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts.

The immense academic pressure, coupled with insufficient sleep, creates an unhealthy learning environment that does more harm than good.

Physical health risks. Sleep is essential for the body’s growth, immune system function, and overall well-being. Students who consistently lack sleep are more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, headaches, and weakened immunity.

Additionally, prolonged sleep deprivation has been linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. A well-rested student is not only healthier but also more energetic and productive in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Given the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, it is imperative for the Ministry of Education in Kenya to implement a policy that mandates a minimum number of sleeping hours for students in boarding schools. Such a policy would:

Standardise sleep duration across schools. Different boarding schools have varying schedules, with some allowing more sleep while others impose extreme study hours.

A national policy would ensure that all students receive a minimum of 8 hours of sleep, preventing institutions from overburdening learners with excessive academic demands.

Improve academic outcomes. By ensuring students get enough sleep, the policy would help improve their ability to concentrate, retain knowledge, and perform well in exams.

Well-rested students are more likely to be attentive in class and grasp new concepts faster, leading to better academic performance.

Enhance students’ well-being. A policy on sleep hours would contribute to better mental and physical health among students.

It would reduce cases of stress, anxiety, and burnout, allowing learners to enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling school experience. A rested mind is more creative, emotionally stable, and resilient to challenges.

Promote a balanced school environment. Education should not be about academics alone; a holistic approach includes rest, physical exercise, and recreational activities.

A policy that enforces minimum sleep hours would encourage a more balanced school routine where students have time to rest and engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and social interactions.

Finally, lack of adequate sleep among students in Kenyan boarding schools is a serious issue that negatively impacts academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

The current system, which emphasizes long study hours at the expense of rest, is unsustainable and counterproductive.

A policy that enforces minimum sleeping hours would ensure students receive the rest they need to function optimally, leading to better academic results and healthier lifestyles.

It is time for the Ministry of Education to recognize sleep as a fundamental necessity for learners and take decisive action to protect their well-being.

Mr. Abol Kepha Kings is a Senior High School teacher in Kenya.