8 dream jobs where you get paid to nap

Updated on February 12, 2026

Getting paid to nap might sound like a fantasy, but in today’s world of flexible online income, more people are actively searching for ways to get paid to nap as a real side hustle opportunity across the world. 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 ways to make money sleeping, from paid sleep studies and mattress testing jobs to freelance sleep-related gigs. Here's how to get started.

Earn while you nap

With JumpTask, you can test apps, take surveys, and complete simple online tasks, even while resting or relaxing.

Key Takeaways

You can get paid to nap through legitimate opportunities like sleep studies, mattress testing, mystery shopping, and app trials.
Earnings vary widely, from $50 short nap sessions to multi-day research studies paying $2,000 or more.
Some options require little experience, while others, like blogging or content creation, work best with an existing audience.
Always apply through reputable platforms and carefully review time commitments, eligibility criteria, and payment terms before committing.

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 studies and experiments testing how rest affects health, memory, brain function, overall levels of fatigue, and sleep disorders. All you need to do is sleep in a monitored environment while researchers collect data on nap duration, best nap duration, how quickly you fall asleep, and how refreshed you feel after rest. 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 the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, the Mayo Clinic, or local sleep research labs.

Earnings from paid sleep research typically range from $50 for short nap sessions to over $3,000 for extended, multi-day sleep experiments that may involve travel or controlled conditions. Always review the study details, follow all relevant instructions, and understand how many hours, nights, or weeks the research requires 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, sleep trackers, and sleep tech through product testing programs to promote better sleep and improve customer feedback. And they’ll actually pay you to nap on them.

As a product tester, you’ll test items in your own sleeping environment, ideally in a dark space with little distractions, 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. Earn money as a professional nap reviewer or blogger

Professional bloggers and content creators, including dedicated nappers and aspiring nap reviewers, can get paid to nap by creating sleep-related content and sharing their honest experiences online. Brands and wellness companies are always looking for honest reviews and product testing insights from real people.

Here’s how it works: you try out a product like eye masks, a nap app, or a 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, where brands pay you to talk about their product
Affiliate links, where 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 a strong social media presence and followers who trust your recommendations.

If you’re just starting out, begin 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 extra money while napping is through hospitality mystery shopping assignments. Hotels and wellness spas regularly hire mystery shoppers to secretly evaluate their services, such as 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, stay awake when required, and afterward provide an honest report on cleanliness, comfort, service quality, overall levels of comfort, and your overall experience.

Payments typically range from $50 to $200 per assignment, plus perks like free stays or spa treatments. Opportunities depend heavily on your location, with larger cities and tourist areas usually offering more 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, showing how you rest, relax, and whether you feel refreshed afterward. 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:

Following sleep and wellness brands (Casper, Calm, Sleep Number) on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok
Checking brand websites regularly for promotions or special challenges
Searching social media hashtags like #SleepChallenge or #NapContest

These challenges are fun and perfect when you’re feeling bored and have some extra time.

Freelance websites and microtasking platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and JumpTask regularly offer unique sleep-related tasks, giving you another way to earn money online and flexible gigs, including sleep guides, testing apps, or even reading emails about wellness campaigns.

These tasks might include:

Dream journaling by documenting your sleep schedule or dreams
Reviewing sleep apps or testing 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. 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 money online. No previous experience is needed, and anyone can sign up and start earning right away.

Nap. Wake up. Cash in.

Swap endless scrolling for quick tasks that actually pay you.

7. Participate in mobile sleep app trials that pay you to nap

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 don’t require a public presence or detailed reviews, just your experience using the app.

App developers often recruit regular users for beta testing to evaluate new sleep-tracking features, bedtime routines, relaxation tools, and digital sleep improvement programs before launch. Your job is to use the app as instructed, accurately carry out the required tasks, track your naps or sleep habits, and provide feedback through paid surveys or short reports based on your data.

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 such as 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 researchers and developers test new theories about rest and fatigue in the modern world.

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, 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 helping someone in need.

FAQs

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. Apply through reputable sources to secure trustworthy positions.

Long-term or residential sleep studies that require multiple overnight stays can pay around $2,000. Compensation depends on location, study length, medical requirements, and how demanding the monitoring process is.

It varies. Short nap sessions might pay $50 to $200, while multi-day research studies can pay several hundred or even a few thousand dollars, depending on time commitment, hours required, and eligibility. You won’t get paid to nap literally every day, but structured research and testing programs do compensate participants for their rest.

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 genuine interest in sleep products matter more than prior testing experience.

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.