8 July, 2025-Pooja Wavhal from Pune has been declared the ‘Sleep Champion of the Year’ by Bengaluru-based startup Wakefit.co after successfully completing a 60-day sleep internship. The unique initiative, designed to promote sleep awareness, awarded Wavhal a cash prize of ₹9.1 lakh for her consistent performance and dedication throughout the program.
The third edition of Wakefit.co’s Sleep Internship invited participants from across the country to follow a strict regimen of sleeping nine hours a day for two months. The campaign, which aimed to highlight the importance of healthy sleep patterns, saw an overwhelming response with over 1.5 lakh applications.
Wavhal, a marketing professional, was selected based on her adherence to sleep schedules, detailed journaling, and insights on sleep quality. Her consistent participation and commitment stood out among the shortlisted candidates.
“This experience has been truly life-changing,” said Wavhal. “Being rewarded for something as essential as sleep made me realize how important rest is for our overall well-being.”
The internship required selected candidates to maintain a strict sleep routine, log their experiences daily via a custom-built app, and engage in wellness-based assessments and discussions. Wakefit emphasized that the goal was not just to reward participants, but to educate the public on sleep’s impact on physical and mental health.
Wakefit officials stated that the internship aligns with their core mission of encouraging better sleep habits among Indians. “Through this initiative, we want to bring attention to India’s growing sleep crisis and show that good sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity,” the company said in a statement.
Health experts have welcomed the campaign. Dr. Anjali Mehra, a wellness consultant, noted, “Sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly common, especially in urban areas. Campaigns like this help people re-evaluate their priorities and promote healthier lifestyles.”
Wakefit’s Sleep Internship, first launched in 2019, has grown significantly over the years, blending marketing innovation with public health messaging. With Wavhal’s win, the campaign has once again highlighted the growing awareness around sleep health in India.
Wavhal’s success story serves as an example of how simple lifestyle changes can lead to substantial personal and professional rewards — and in this case, a financial one too.
