Saishwari Patil, an investment banker from Bengaluru, India, has turned her passion for sleep into a remarkable achievement by winning INR 9 lakh as the ‘Sleep Champion’ in Wakefit’s third season of its sleep internship program.
The innovative program, designed for people who value sleep despite their busy schedules, selected 12 individuals, or “sleep interns,” who committed to getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, along with 20-minute power naps during the day. Participants were provided with premium mattresses and contactless sleep trackers to monitor and enhance their sleep patterns. Regular workshops with sleep experts also helped them refine their sleeping habits.
The selection process for this unique internship included application screenings, video resumes showcasing enthusiasm for sleep, and personal interviews to assess candidates’ commitment to improving their sleep quality.
Since its inception, the program has attracted over one million registrations and awarded a total of INR 63 lakh in stipends across three seasons.
Saishwari’s journey began with a casual application out of curiosity, but she quickly became invested in learning the science behind sleep. She discovered the importance of various sleep cycles for overall health and emphasized the discipline required for success in the program. Participants had to stick to a strict sleep schedule and minimize distractions late at night.
Despite the competitive nature of the program, which could be stressful, Saishwari maintained a relaxed mindset and achieved her goal. She encourages others to prioritize sleep and shares helpful tips such as listening to calming music, establishing bedtime routines, and showering before bed to improve sleep quality.