Since Linux 6.6 we’ve been seeing work upstreamed for sysctl working to remove its sentinel, the final empty element on each sysctl array. This will cut-down on around 64 bytes of bloat per array, help with kernel build times, and an all-around improvement. With Linux 6.7 more of the sysctl changes are ready and hopefully for the v6.8 kernel cycle next year the effort will be completed…

Source: Phoronix – Sysctl With Linux 6.7 Continues Work To Remove Kernel Bloat