💤 From UPSC Dreams to Sleep Champion: How Pooja Madhav Wavhal Won ₹9.1 Lakh by Sleeping 9 Hours a Night

UPSC Aspirant Wins ₹9.1 Lakh in Wakefit Sleep Internship

“You don’t always have to hustle. Sometimes, you just need to sleep—and get rewarded for it.”

Sounds unbelievable, right? But that’s exactly what happened to Pooja Madhav Wavhal, a young UPSC aspirant from Pune, who recently bagged a ₹9.1 lakh reward just by sleeping 9 hours each night for 60 days. She wasn’t dreaming—she was living a dream, all thanks to the Wakefit Sleep Internship program.

In a world obsessed with productivity, this story breaks all stereotypes. Let’s dive into how a sleep-focused internship changed Pooja’s life and how you too can apply for the next season.

🛏️ What is Wakefit’s Sleep Internship?

Launched in 2019 by Wakefit, a sleep solutions brand, the Sleep Internship is one of India’s most quirky and viral internship programs. The goal? To encourage people to take sleep seriously and raise awareness about India’s growing sleep deficit crisis.

In this unique initiative, selected participants—called “Sleep Interns“—are paid to sleep for 9 hours a night over a span of 60 days. Yes, you read that right. You get paid to sleep well, consistently, from the comfort of your own home.

Over the years, this internship has evolved from a marketing gimmick into a cultural wellness movement, attracting lakhs of applicants and immense media attention.

🌟 Pooja’s Journey: From UPSC Books to Sleep Champion

Pooja Madhav Wavhal, a 24-year-old woman from Pune, was preparing for the UPSC exams. But like many aspirants, she struggled with irregular sleep and exhaustion due to long study hours and stress.

Out of curiosity—and as a bit of a joke—she applied for Wakefit’s Sleep Internship Season 4. What started casually turned into a serious opportunity when she was selected from over 1 lakh applicants.

“I used to sleep just 4–5 hours a night,” said Pooja. “This opportunity showed me how powerful a disciplined sleep routine can be for both mind and body. I now feel more energetic, focused, and confident.”

She wasn’t just a participant—she topped the charts. With a score of 91.36, she was crowned ‘Sleep Champion of the Year 2025’ and took home a massive reward of ₹9.1 lakh.

📜 How the Sleep Internship Works

Wondering how this “sleep test” is even monitored? Here’s what happens when you apply and get selected:

📝 Selection Process

1. Application Form: Submit a detailed online application.
2. Video Resume: You may be asked to submit a fun and creative video about your sleeping habits.
3. Interview: A short virtual interview rounds off the selection.
4. Final Selection: 15 interns are chosen from across India.

😴 During the Internship

• Sleep Duration: Sleep at least 9 hours a night for 60 consecutive days.
• Tracking Method: Your sleep is monitored using contactless sleep trackers provided by Wakefit.
• Workshops: Interns attend sleep improvement challenges and sessions.
• Fun Tasks: Quirky challenges like making a bed while blindfolded, searching for hidden alarm clocks, and a final ‘sleep showdown’ were designed to test focus, routine, and commitment to quality rest.

💰 Rewards

• All interns who complete the program receive ₹1 lakh.
• The best-performing intern (based on sleep quality and consistency) wins up to ₹10 lakh.
  → Pooja won ₹9.1 lakh as the top scorer.

📅 History of Wakefit’s Sleep Internship

Let’s take a quick look at how this unique program has evolved:

🧑‍💻 How to Apply for Season 5 of Wakefit Sleep Internship

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can apply and possibly become India’s next sleep star:

✅ Eligibility:

• Must be 22 years or older
• Only one application per person
• No incomplete forms – all fields must be filled correctly
• Deadline strictly followed – no late entries accepted
• Past interns from Seasons 1–3 cannot reapply
• Wakefit employees and their families are not eligible

🖱️ Application Steps:

1. Visit Wakefit’s Official Website:
   👉 Apply for Wakefit Sleep Internship
2. Fill the Application Form:
   Include personal details, sleeping habits, and why you should be selected.
3. Upload a Video Resume (if asked):
   Keep it fun, honest, and creative.
4. Submit Before Deadline:
   Late or multiple entries will be rejected.
5. Stay Available:
   Shortlisted applicants will be notified through SMS, email, WhatsApp, or a direct phone call by the Wakefit team..

💡 Why This Internship Matters

According to the 2025 Great Indian Sleep Scorecard:

• Over 58% of Indians hit the bed post 11 PM, and almost half start their day feeling drained despite getting rest. The situation is even worse for the youth, who are losing quality sleep to late-night scrolling and rising stress levels..

Wakefit’s internship aims to reverse this trend—not just with money but by reshaping how India views sleep.

🔄 How Pooja’s Life Changed

After completing the internship, Pooja says she now sleeps 9 hours every night and feels more balanced than ever.

“This program didn’t just give me money—it gave me a new life rhythm,” she shared.

She plans to use the prize money to support her UPSC studies and help her family.

📌 Tips for Future Sleep Interns

If you want to join and win this sleep challenge like Pooja, here’s what you need:

1. Discipline: Sleep at the same time daily.
2. Comfortable Setup: Use a good mattress and avoid distractions.
3. No Screens 1 Hour Before Bed: Reduce phone/laptop use.
4. Stay Consistent: Even on weekends!
5. Submit Your Reports on Time: Daily sleep logs are essential.
6. Be Honest: Wakefit tracks your actual sleep quality.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Sleep Isn’t Lazy—It’s Legendary

Pooja’s journey proves that rest is not the enemy of ambition. On the contrary, sleeping well can power your dreams—even help fund them.

So, if you’ve ever felt guilty about needing more sleep, think again. What feels like rest today might just be the launchpad for your next big breakthrough.

📣 Call to Action

💤 Think You’re a Pro Sleeper? Wakefit’s Iconic Sleep Internship Season 5 is Open – Apply Today!

Are you 22+ and can sleep like a pro?
Don’t wait — apply now and become the next ‘Sleep Champion of India’.

🔗 Click here to apply now on Wakefit’s official website

If you liked this story, share it with a friend who loves their bed more than their boss. And if you’re dreaming of UPSC success like Pooja — start by sleeping better tonight. 💤

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