As the new school year approaches, Kazakhstan’s health ministry advises parents to prioritise sleep routines to support children’s focus, memory, and emotional balance, emphasising gradual adjustment and consistent bedtimes.
As the new school year approaches, Kazakhstan’s health ministry is urging parents to focus on sleep as much as uniforms, backpacks and stationery. The advice is simple: do not wait for the first bell before resetting a child’s routine. Instead, begin moving bedtime and wake-up times earlier now, so the return to the school timetable is less abrupt and easier on children’s bodies and attention. The ministry said adequate rest supports concentration, memory, emotional balance and the ability to keep up with lessons.
Sleep needs vary by age. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says children aged six to 12 should sleep between nine and 12 hours a night, while teenagers need eight to 10 hours. Other public health guidance cited in the region points to broadly similar targets, with school-age children generally needing around nine to 11 hours and younger pupils sometimes slightly more. The main point, health officials say, is not just total sleep time but consistency: children do better when they go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
For first-form pupils, the transition can be especially demanding. A new classroom, earlier mornings and a flood of new impressions can leave younger children tired in the first weeks of term. Some health guidance recommends allowing extra daytime rest where needed, including up to two hours for children who still benefit from a nap. The emphasis is on gradual adjustment, so the new rhythm does not become another source of stress at the start of the year.
Parents are also being advised to make evenings calmer and more predictable. That means reducing screen time before bed, avoiding overstimulating games or content, keeping the bedroom cool and comfortable, and building a simple bedtime routine with a walk, bath, reading or quiet conversation. Health officials warn that cutting sleep to make room for homework, clubs or entertainment can backfire, leaving children less able to focus and learn the next day.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
