8 Dream Jobs Where You Get Paid To Nap and Earn Extra Cash in 2025
Getting paid to nap might sound like a fantasy, but it's increasingly becoming a reality. As unconventional income streams become popular, more people explore creative ways to earn extra money, especially through sleep studies, mattress testing, and more.
This article explores eight verified, realistic dream jobs that genuinely pay you for taking naps, reviewing sleep products, or even sleeping overnight. Here's how to get started.
1. Join sleep studies and research trials
You can actually get paid to take a nap by participating in sleep research studies, and it’s 100% legit when done through trusted sources.
Medical schools, hospitals, universities, and private research clinics regularly run paid sleep trials to study how rest affects health, memory, and brain function. All you need to do is sleep in a monitored environment while researchers collect data. In return, you get paid for your time and participation.
Paid sleep study opportunities can be found on sites like ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as through institutions like Stanford University Sleep Center, the Mayo Clinic, or local sleep research labs.
Earnings typically range from $50 for short nap sessions to over $3,000 for extended, multi-day studies that may involve travel or special conditions. Always review the study details before applying.
To get started, focus on studies run by reputable organizations, read the eligibility criteria carefully, and apply early. These gigs fill up fast.
2. Become a mattress tester and review sleep products
Companies are always looking for real people to test sleep-related products like mattresses, pillows, and sleep tech to promote better sleep. And they’ll actually pay you to nap on them.
As a product tester, you’ll test items in your own sleeping environment, or, in some cases, at specialized sleep centers, providing feedback on comfort, durability, and overall sleep quality. You may also be asked to evaluate specific factors, like if the product helps reduce sleep inertia after waking.
In return, you can earn cash, gift cards, or even keep the products you test. If you're paid in cash, rates typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the product and testing period.
To find mattress-testing gigs, check popular brands’ official websites, join product review communities, or sign up for testing programs on sites like Sleep Junkie and Sleep Foundation.
When applying, fill out forms thoroughly and highlight related skills like attention to detail and interest in sleep products. Clear, honest feedback not only helps the companies, but it also increases your chances of getting selected again.
3. Become a professional nap reviewer or blogger
Professional bloggers and content creators can get paid to nap by talking about it online. Brands and wellness companies are always looking for honest reviews of their products from real people.
Here’s how it works: you try out a product (like eye masks, nap app, or routine), then share your experience through a written review, YouTube video, or social media content.
With this method, you can make money through:
- Sponsored posts (brands pay you to talk about their product)
- Affiliate links (you earn a small commission when someone buys through your link)
- Ad revenue (if you grow your blog or channel)
However, these methods usually work best for advanced creators who already have a solid audience or content platform. Brands are more likely to pay when you have followers who trust your recommendations.
So if you’re just starting out, start by reviewing products you already use and writing honest, helpful content. Having strong English writing skills will help your reviews stand out and attract brand partnerships faster. Focus on a niche (like napping for stress relief or products for sleep apnea) and keep your content personal and relatable.
As your audience grows, you can start pitching your content to wellness brands or submit articles to lifestyle websites for paid opportunities.
4. Become a mystery shopper in hotels and wellness spas
Another fun and low-stress way to earn money while napping is mystery shopping. Hotels and wellness spas regularly hire mystery shoppers to secretly evaluate their services, like room comfort, bed quality, nap pods, and relaxation amenities.
Here’s how it works: you visit the assigned location, enjoy a nap or overnight stay, and afterward provide an honest report on cleanliness, comfort, service quality, and your overall experience.
Payments typically range from $50–$200 per assignment, plus perks like free stays or spa treatments. However, keep in mind that opportunities depend heavily on your location. Larger cities and tourist areas usually have more available gigs.
To start, join mystery shopping platforms like Market Force or BestMark, and regularly check for hospitality assignments. Being detailed and reliable in your reviews helps secure repeat assignments.
5. Get paid to nap in content creation challenges
Unlike professional nap reviewers or bloggers, content creation challenges are short-term, one-time events organized by brands to create social media buzz or showcase new products.
Instead of ongoing reviews, you earn money by participating once. You usually need to film your nap or sleep experience and share it online. For example, in 2022, mattress company Casper ran a "Casper Sleepers" campaign where selected participants earned $25 per hour plus free products simply by napping and documenting it.
Payment varies widely depending on the campaign, typically ranging from $100 to over $1,000 per event.
You can find content creation opportunities by:
- Follow sleep and wellness brands (Casper, Calm, Sleep Number) on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
- Check brand websites regularly for promotions or special challenges.
- Search social media hashtags like #SleepChallenge or #NapContest.
These challenges are usually really fun and perfect when you’re feeling bored and have some extra time.
6. Try freelance platforms with sleep-related gigs
Freelance websites and microtasking platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and JumpTask regularly offer unique sleep-related tasks, giving you another way to earn money while focusing on sleep.
These tasks might include:
- Dream journaling (documenting your sleep schedule or dreams)
- Reviewing sleep apps or testing various wellness products
- Writing short articles about sleep health and routines
Payments typically range from $10 to $150 per task, depending on the complexity and length of each task.
To boost your chances of landing these gigs, create a strong profile and include any relevant experience. If the platform allows, highlight your interest in wellness or sleep-related topics directly in your bio. Also, make a habit of checking for new listings and applying early.
JumpTask is especially ideal for beginners looking for simple tasks or ways to earn crypto online. No previous experience is needed. Anyone can sign up and start earning right away.
Earn while you nap
With JumpTask, you can test apps, take surveys, and complete simple online tasks, even while resting or relaxing.
7. Participate in mobile sleep app trials
If you're interested in testing sleep-related products without blogging, freelancing, or creating content, mobile sleep app trials are a simple, low-effort option. These trials are different from other methods because they don’t require a public presence or detailed reviews, just your experience using the app.
App developers often recruit regular users to test new sleep-tracking features, bedtime routines, or relaxation tools before launch. Your job is to use the app as instructed, track your naps or sleep habits, and provide feedback through paid surveys or short reports.
Compensation usually comes in the form of PayPal payments, gift cards, or free premium access to the app.
You can find these opportunities by:
- Signing up on beta testing platforms like BetaTesting, UserTesting, or Respondent.io
- Joining sleep-related forums or communities on Reddit, like r/SampleSize, r/Beermoney, and r/WorkOnline
- Following app developers or wellness tech startups for announcements
Sleep app trials are ideal for anyone who wants to earn passively while helping improve real products.
8. Work as an overnight caregiver
If none of the previous options appeal to you, consider a more hands-on way to earn money while others sleep by working as an overnight caregiver. It's a meaningful job that helps people in need, while still offering opportunities to rest during your shift.
Overnight caregivers are often needed for elderly adults, people with disabilities, or those recovering from surgery. In many cases, your duties are minimal, and depending on the arrangement, you may be allowed to nap during quiet periods.
To get started, search for caregiving roles on platforms like Care.com, Indeed, or through local care agencies.
Keep in mind that you may need CPR or first aid certification, and in some cases, a state-specific license or caregiver training, especially for medical-related tasks.
While not as relaxed as the other options on this list, overnight caregiving offers steady income and the satisfaction of truly helping someone in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Legitimate opportunities like sleep studies, mattress testing, and mystery shopping genuinely pay participants for napping or sleeping. Companies and research institutions compensate people to gain insights into sleep patterns, product quality, or customer experiences. Ensure you apply through reputable sources to secure trustworthy positions.
Paid nap studies typically last from a few hours to several days or weeks, depending on the research requirements. Short-term studies may involve brief naps, while intensive research can span weeks and offer good pay to participants that commit for extended periods.
Most sleep studies require participants to be healthy adults without severe sleep disorders or chronic illnesses. Specific studies might look for particular demographics or age groups. Generally, no advanced qualifications are necessary, though some roles may include health screenings or lifestyle questionnaires before participation.
Yes, platforms like ClinicalTrials.gov, local university research pages, and specialized sleep study websites regularly list opportunities. Freelance marketplaces such as Upwork or Fiverr occasionally offer related gigs. Social media and brand websites also announce sleep-testing roles, making them useful resources for finding these opportunities.
No specific experience is typically required for mattress testing gigs. Companies usually seek people who can articulate their experiences clearly and honestly. Reliability, detailed feedback, and being genuinely interested in sleep products are more critical than prior testing experience when applying for these types of roles.
If you're joining a paid sleep study, it won’t cost you anything. In fact, you’ll get paid instead, often between $50 and $3,000 just to fall asleep while researchers monitor you. Medical sleep studies ordered by doctors, however, can cost $1,000 to $5,000, depending on location, type, and whether it's covered by insurance.
Monika Ivanauskaite
Content Manager
Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.
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IN THIS ARTICLE
- 1. Join sleep studies and research trials
- 2. Become a mattress tester and review sleep products
- 3. Become a professional nap reviewer or blogger
- 4. Become a mystery shopper in hotels and wellness spas
- 5. Get paid to nap in content creation challenges
- 6. Try freelance platforms with sleep-related gigs
- 7. Participate in mobile sleep app trials
- 8. Work as an overnight caregiver
- Frequently Asked Questions
