How Winning a Sleep Contest Transformed My Nights
In a world that glorifies hustle culture, the idea of winning a cash prize by simply sleeping might seem absurd. Yet, for Saishwari Patil, an investment banker from Bengaluru, this became a reality through Wakefit’s innovative sleep internship program. Not only did she snag a whopping ₹9 lakh, but she also unearthed invaluable insights about the profound significance of quality sleep, which is often underrated in our fast-paced lives.
Exploring the world of sleep science.
The Pioneering Sleep Internship Program
Wakefit, a remarkable name in the mattress industry, has embarked on a mission to reshape our relationship with sleep. Their sleep internship program doesn’t just award participants for counting sheep. Instead, it provides each intern with a premium mattress and a contactless tracker to monitor sleep quality—data analytics for dreamers, if you will. Participants are even encouraged to embrace 20-minute power naps, which research shows can significantly enhance overall productivity and mood. As we delve deeper into this venture, it’s evident that Wakefit aims to reignite awareness around the vitality of good sleep practices in our daily routines.
The Journey of Becoming a ‘Sleep Champion’
Patil joined a competitive cohort of 12 interns, driven by the curiosity sparked from her pandemic-disrupted sleep schedule. Among late-night office work and pandemic-induced anxiety, she found herself at odds with her sleep routine. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, > “This internship taught me how to become a disciplined sleeper.”
Rather than focusing solely on duration, the program revolves around building a consistent sleep schedule—a concept that many of us overlook amidst our nightly binge-watching marathons or aimless scrolling through social media feeds.
Patil’s experiences serve as a candid reminder that solving our sleep issues often requires tough choices. She acknowledged the pressure that accompanies scoring parameters during the contest. Despite the competition, the importance of maintaining calmness and composure was paramount to her success. Ultimately, she proved that with dedication and the right strategies, anyone could elevate their sleep game.
Sleep is an intricate science worth exploring.
Established in its third season, the internship has attracted an impressive number of applicants—over a million—and has seen 51 interns selected to date. Financially, the initiative has dispensed a staggering ₹63 lakh across participants. Moreover, Wakefit’s 2024 Great Indian Sleep Scorecard unveiled a troubling statistic: nearly 50% of Indians wake up feeling exhausted due to factors like long work hours, unhealthy sleep environments, and lack of physical activity. This highlights an urgent need to address sleep health in contemporary society.
A Whimsical Yet Enlightening Experience
The unexpected nature of this journey is best captured by Patil’s initial reluctance to apply. She recalls, “A friend and I applied for fun because it seemed like a crazy concept.” Her ability to sleep anywhere—a skill honed through years of adapting to new environments—became an amusing aspect of her journey. Who knew that such a fantastical program could yield such profound personal discoveries?
In a landscape where productivity often reigns supreme, it’s crucial to recalibrate our priorities and acknowledge the essential role sleep plays in our lives. The internship has not only changed Patil’s sleeping habits but has equipped her with knowledge that could benefit many more eager to improve their nightly rest.
The overarching takeaway from her participation in this sleep initiative is an unabashed celebration of sleep as a fundamental component of overall health—a notion that needs to be championed consistently.
Final Thoughts As I conclude my musings on this innovative program, I find myself reflecting on the importance of quality sleep in a world that incessantly demands our attention. Perhaps it’s time we start awarding prizes for sleep—after all, embracing the night could very well be the key to unlocking our brightest days ahead. Wakefit’s forward-thinking initiative serves as a vital reminder: it’s time we prioritize our sleep as a crucial aspect of well-being.
Read more about Wakefit’s revolutionary sleep initiatives and their impact on our community here.
