Pune’s Pooja Wavhal Wins Rs 9.1 Lakh as ‘Sleep Champion of the Year’ After 60-Day Internship

Pune, 8th July 2025: In a one-of-a-kind competition that celebrates rest and healthy sleep habits, Pooja Madhav Wavhal, a UPSC aspirant from Pune, has emerged as India’s ‘Sleep Champion of the Year’ after completing a rigorous 60-day sleep internship held in Bengaluru. Wavhal beat 14 other finalists to win the title and a cash reward of ₹9.1 lakh, thanks to her outstanding average of 9 hours of sleep per night.

The unique internship, currently in its fourth season, is part of a sleep awareness initiative launched by a leading mattress brand. The program aims to highlight the widespread issue of sleep deprivation in India while promoting healthier routines through education and engagement.

This year, over one lakh people from across the country applied for the internship. Only 15 were shortlisted as finalists and selected to undergo the 60-day challenge. Each participant received a premium mattress and a contactless sleep tracker to monitor nightly sleep patterns, all from the comfort of their homes.

Participants also attended interactive workshops focused on improving sleep hygiene, participated in quirky daily challenges, and competed in fun contests like blindfolded bed-making, alarm clock treasure hunts, and a final “sleep-off” designed to measure discipline, consistency, and quality of rest.

Wavhal secured the highest overall score of 91.36, earning her the coveted title and top prize. “This experience changed how I look at rest and recovery. It taught me that sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” she said after her win. “I never imagined that something as natural as sleep could become a part of such a unique journey.”

While Wavhal clinched the top honor, the remaining finalists were also rewarded. Each of the 15 sleep interns received a ₹1 lakh stipend for completing the internship successfully.

The sleep internship program began in 2019 and has grown in popularity with each passing year. Applicants typically go through a multi-stage selection process that includes online forms, video submissions, and short interviews. In past editions, candidates were even asked humorous questions such as whether they’ve ever fallen asleep in class or how fast they can drift off to sleep.

What makes the initiative stand out is its blend of science and entertainment. By offering rewards for consistency and awareness, the campaign seeks to change attitudes toward sleep, especially among young adults facing high-pressure academic or professional demands.

As India continues to grapple with rising stress levels and irregular work-life patterns, stories like Wavhal’s shine a spotlight on the importance of rest in overall wellness—and prove that sometimes, the best thing one can do is simply sleep well.