How to Become a Professional Sleeper
Imagine getting paid to sleep. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for some people, it’s a real job! Becoming a professional sleeper is a unique and interesting career path that not many people know about. It might not be a typical 9-to-5 job, but it does offer money, comfort, and sometimes even fame. In this guide, we will explore how you can become a professional sleeper, what it takes, where to find these jobs, and what the job actually involves.
What is a Professional Sleeper?
A professional sleeper is someone who gets paid to sleep. These jobs are usually connected to scientific studies, product testing, or promotional events. You may be asked to sleep in a lab while scientists monitor your brain activity, or test out mattresses and give feedback. Some even get paid to participate in artistic projects or reality shows.
Types of Professional Sleeper Jobs
1. Sleep Study Participant
These sleepers help researchers learn about sleep disorders, brain activity, and how different environments affect rest. It’s the most common form of professional sleeping.
2. Mattress Tester
Mattress companies hire people to test their beds and give honest reviews on comfort and support.
3. Hotel Sleep Tester
Some luxury hotels hire professional sleepers to stay overnight and review the experience.
4. Art Exhibit Participant
Artists sometimes use real people sleeping as part of an exhibit, especially in performance art.
5. Space Sleep Study Volunteer
NASA and other agencies pay participants to lie in bed for long periods to study how space travel affects the human body.
Skills and Traits You Need
While it may sound easy, being a professional sleeper takes more than just a love of naps. Here are some important qualities:
Good Health
You should be in good physical and mental health to qualify for most sleep studies.
Ability to Sleep Anywhere
Being able to fall asleep in different environments—labs, hotels, or even unusual locations—is a big plus.
Patience
Some jobs require you to stay still in bed for hours. This means being calm and patient.
Communication Skills
You often have to give detailed feedback on how well you slept or how a product made you feel.
Education and Qualifications
You don’t need a degree to become a professional sleeper, but having a background in health, science, or journalism (for writing reviews) can help. More importantly, you need to meet specific health and sleep requirements for most roles.
Medical Screening
Most sleep studies require a physical check-up and sometimes a psychological evaluation to make sure you’re a good candidate.
Sleep Diary
You may be asked to track your sleep habits for a few weeks before getting accepted into a job or study.
How to Find Professional Sleeper Jobs
Finding these unique jobs takes a bit of research. Here are some ways to look:
University and Hospital Research Centers
Many universities conduct sleep studies and recruit participants through their websites or bulletin boards.
Clinical Trials Websites
Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov post studies you can apply for based on your location and health background.
Job Boards
Look for keywords like “sleep study participant,” “mattress tester,” or “sleep product reviewer.”
Mattress and Pillow Companies
Some companies post calls for testers on their websites or social media accounts.
Social Media and Reddit
Online communities often share one-of-a-kind job opportunities. Subreddits like r/beermoney or r/WorkOnline are good places to check.
What to Expect on the Job
A Typical Day
- Arrive at the research center or hotel.
- Go through basic health checks.
- Get connected to sensors if it’s a medical study.
- Sleep or lie in bed as instructed.
- Answer questions or write reviews after the session.
Rules You Might Follow
- No caffeine or alcohol before the study.
- Follow a strict sleep schedule.
- Avoid certain medications.
- Stay in one position during the sleep session.
Pay Range
Professional sleepers can earn anywhere from $100 to $20,000 depending on the length and purpose of the study. Space-related sleep studies pay the most.
Pros and Cons of Being a Professional Sleeper
Pros
- Get paid to sleep
- Low stress work
- Opportunity to help scientific research
- Try new products before they hit the market
Cons
- Not a steady income
- Long hours of doing nothing
- Can be boring or uncomfortable
- Possible health restrictions
Tips to Get Started
Stay Updated
Check websites regularly and sign up for newsletters from research hospitals and companies.
Keep Records
Track your sleep patterns to show you’re a good candidate.
Practice Sleeping in Different Places
Train yourself to sleep in places that are not your own bed.
Take Care of Your Health
Good sleep, healthy diet, and regular exercise help you qualify for more opportunities.
FAQs About Becoming a Professional Sleeper
Is being a professional sleeper a real job?
Yes, although it’s not a full-time career for most people, you can earn money through short-term projects and studies.
How can I qualify for sleep studies?
You usually need to be in good health, have regular sleep patterns, and pass a medical check-up.
Can I do this job from home?
Sometimes, especially for product testing or writing reviews. Medical studies usually need you to be on-site.
How much can I earn?
Pay varies, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands for long-term studies.
Is it safe to participate in sleep studies?
Most studies are run by medical professionals and are very safe. Always read the terms and understand the risks before joining.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional sleeper is an unusual but fascinating job that combines comfort with curiosity. Whether you’re testing a new mattress, helping NASA prepare for space travel, or simply enjoying a luxury hotel, you’re getting paid to do something most people love—sleep! While it may not replace a full-time job, it can be a great side hustle, a fun experience, or even a unique addition to your resume. So if you think you have what it takes, why not dream your way to a paycheck?
