UPSC aspirant bags Rs 9 lakh internship to sleep 9 hours at night
Alongside, they attended sleep workshops and challenges aimed at improving rest habits.Finalists competed in quirky tasks such as blindfolded bed-making, alarm clock hunts, and a final sleep-off to assess consistency and discipline.Wavhal scored 91.36 to win the top prize, while each of the 15 interns received Rs 1 lakh for completing the internship.SLEEP INTERNSHIP: HOW CAN YOU APPLY?Minimum age: Applicants must be 22 years or older at the time of applying.One entry only: Only one application per person is allowed. Multiple entries will be disqualified.Fully completed forms: Incomplete applications will not be considered.Deadline strictly enforced: Late submissions will be rejected.Former interns not eligible: Participants from Seasons 1, 2, and 3 are not eligible to reapply.Wakefit staff restriction: Employees of Wakefit and their family members cannot participate.Communication: All updates will be shared via SMS, email, WhatsApp, or phone call.Information accuracy: Any false or incorrect information will lead to disqualification.Consent required: By applying, candidates agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy as mentioned on the official website.A VIRAL CONCEPT SINCE 2019The first edition of the internship began in 2019 and has since completed four seasons. With each round, the programme has attracted lakhs of applications, turning what began as a quirky experiment into a well-followed cultural phenomenon in India's wellness and startup ecosystems.Each year, selected participants -- dubbed 'sleep interns' -- are paid to sleep at least 9 hours a night for 60 consecutive days. The goal is to monitor sleep quality using a contactless tracker and complete simple feedback routines, all from the comfort of their own homes.In the past, shortlisted candidates were evaluated through online forms, video resumes, and brief interviews.Some fun elements are added too -- such as asking about one's ability to fall asleep quickly or history of nodding off in class.STIPEND AND REWARDSEach selected intern is guaranteed Rs 1 lakh for completing the 60-day cycle. At the end, the participant with the most consistent and high-quality sleep -- dubbed the 'Sleep Champion' -- receives an additional cash reward of up to Rs 10 lakh.advertisementThe internship is work-from-home and fully remote. Interns use Wakefit's own mattresses and sleep trackers to monitor their performance.The idea has struck a chord especially with younger Indians looking for new forms of work-life balance -- or at least a better night's sleep.Applications for Season 5 are now open. Wavhal, reflecting on her win, said she hoped the spotlight would push more people to treat sleep as an essential for recovery, not just downtime.According to the 2025 Great Indian Sleep Scorecard, 58% of Indians go to bed after 11 PM, and nearly half wake up feeling tired.- Ends
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