Gina Johnson
Sleep competitions are a surprising new trend that challenges our rest habits. The World Sleep Championships, for example, is a competition where participants compete for the highest sleep score. Sleep Racers compete for over 60 hours across two weeks of intense competition, with one winner crowned at the end. Competitors are only allowed to use natural supplements and are banned from using chemically based sleep-enhancing medications. Sleep competitions can be individual or group-based, and they can take place among friends, family members, or coworkers. They are also used by some organizations as part of their wellness programs to encourage employees to prioritize rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of participants | Over 7.8 billion |
| Competition duration | 2 weeks |
| Total competition time | 60 hours |
| Number of rounds | 8 |
| Breaks | 1-day break between rounds |
| Scoring method | Oura ring |
| Scoring criteria | Sleep score |
| Scoring frequency | Daily |
| Scoring submission | World Sleep Championship app |
| Winner selection | One winner crowned |
| Performance-enhancing substances | Natural supplements allowed; chemical-based medications prohibited |
| Penalties | Minimum 12-month ban and possible community service |
| Benefits | Improved health, productivity, focus, performance, decision-making, well-being, personal relationships, and life satisfaction |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleep Racing: A sport where participants compete for over 60 hours over 2 weeks
- World Sleep Championships: A competition with 7.8 billion participants recognised by the WSC
- Sleep Scores: Participants use an Oura ring to measure and compare their sleep scores
- Sleep Challenges: Organisations implement these to encourage employees to prioritise rest
- Benefits: Beyond the thrill of competition, increased awareness of sleep habits is a key benefit
Sleep Racing: A sport where participants compete for over 60 hours over 2 weeks
Sleep Racing is a competition that takes place over two weeks, with participants racing for over 60 hours during this period. The aim is to be crowned the winner at the end of the two weeks, with an official world ranking.
Sleep Racing was created by Todd Deacon, Damian Png, and Shane Thompson during the COVID lockdown. With backgrounds in sport, tech, and design, they had the skills to put together the World Sleep Championships. The competition has since become an overnight sensation, with billions of people recognized by the WSC as being in training and able to compete.
The championship starts with a three-night seeding round, followed by five rounds of head-to-head competition, totaling eight nights of sleep racing. There is a one-day break between rounds to allow for rest and recovery. The format is similar to a tennis grand slam, with a round-robin element, as racers advance through the competition.
To win a round, participants must post a better sleep score than their opponent. Sleep scores are measured using an Oura ring, and the scores are entered into the World Sleep Championship app the morning after each competition night. The use of chemical-based sleep-enhancing medications is prohibited, and any proven use of such substances will result in an official review and a minimum 12-month ban from sleep racing competitions. However, natural supplements like melatonin and chamomile tea are allowed.
Sleep Racing is a unique endurance sport that requires serious focus and endurance, and it has gained popularity worldwide, with people embracing the fun and lighthearted nature of the competition.
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World Sleep Championships: A competition with 7.8 billion participants recognised by the WSC
The World Sleep Championships (WSC) is a competition that has gained immense popularity, with over 7.8 billion participants recognised by the WSC as potential competitors. This unique event was dreamt up by Todd Deacon, Damian Png, and Shane during the COVID lockdown, with the first edition taking place over two weeks, starting on October 19.
The concept of the World Sleep Championships revolves around Sleep Racing, a sport that might seem comical to some but is taken very seriously by the participants. It requires intense focus and endurance, as racers compete for over 60 hours across two weeks, with one day of rest between rounds for recovery. The format is similar to a tennis grand slam, with a round-robin structure, ensuring that every sleep racer has a chance to compete over eight nights and advance through the competition.
To participate, individuals need three things: an approved sleep-tracking device, a place to lie down, and the ability to do absolutely nothing. Registration is open to everyone, and competitors can start their training, refining their techniques, and working on their form. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to have their natural sleeping abilities recognised and achieve something unique.
The World Sleep Championships has strict rules regarding performance-enhancing substances. While natural supplements like melatonin and chamomile tea are allowed, the use of chemical-based sleep medications, such as Xanax and Tamazepam, is strictly prohibited. Any proven use of such substances will result in an official review and a minimum 12-month ban from sleep racing competitions.
The winner of the World Sleep Championships is determined by sleep scores. Racers are required to use an Oura ring to measure their sleep, and the competitor with the higher sleep score in each round advances to the next stage. The sleep scores are entered into the World Sleep Championship app the morning after each competition night.
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Sleep Scores: Participants use an Oura ring to measure and compare their sleep scores
Sleep competitions, such as the World Sleep Championships, are a relatively new phenomenon. They involve participants competing to achieve the best sleep score over a set period, with the winner crowned at the end. The 2020 championship, for example, featured a 3-night seeding round, followed by 5 rounds of head-to-head competition, spanning 8 nights in total.
Sleep scores are measured and compared using an Oura Ring, which analyses sleep by measuring various factors, including sleep stages, restfulness, timing, and average body temperature. The ring provides a Sleep Score, which reflects the quality and quantity of sleep, ranging from 0-100. A score of 85 or above is optimal, with scores below 70 indicating a need to prioritise rest and recovery.
The Oura Ring measures total sleep time, sleep efficiency, latency (how quickly one falls asleep), and resting heart rate. It also takes into account the different stages of sleep, including awake time, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. REM sleep, associated with dreaming and memory consolidation, is an important factor, with adults averaging 20-25% of total sleep time in this stage.
Participants in sleep competitions using the Oura Ring must be mindful of factors that can impact their sleep scores. This includes avoiding screen time and artificial light before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and prioritising rest by refraining from activities like watching TV or working in bed.
Natural supplements like melatonin and chamomile tea are allowed in sleep competitions, while the use of chemical-based sleep medications is prohibited.
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Sleep Challenges: Organisations implement these to encourage employees to prioritise rest
Sleep challenges are an effective way for organisations to encourage employees to prioritise rest. These challenges are particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where getting sufficient sleep is a challenge for most people. The recommended amount of sleep for the average person is seven to eight hours each night, but many people fall short of this, leading to sleep deprivation and related issues.
Sleep challenges can take many forms, from lighthearted competitions to serious interventions. One example is the World Sleep Championships, a lighthearted take on the concept of a sleep competition, where participants compete for the best sleep score over a two-week period. While this competition has a comedic element, it also highlights the importance of sleep and encourages participants to learn more about their sleep habits.
Organisations can implement similar challenges to engage their employees in prioritising rest. For instance, Calm's 7-day employee sleep challenge offers insights and tips from a clinical sleep psychologist, providing employees with practical advice to improve their sleep. Another option is to encourage employees to make minor changes to their daily routines over a set period to enhance their sleep quality. This could involve setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time to regulate their body's natural sleep-wake cycles.
Additionally, organisations can address specific issues faced by shift workers, who often experience significant sleep deficiencies due to irregular work schedules. Interventions for shift workers may include sleep hygiene training and education programs tailored to their unique challenges. It is important to note that while napping can help combat sleep debt, it may not be feasible for all workers, especially those who need to be immediately alert upon awakening, such as emergency medical personnel. Therefore, organisations should consider the nature of their employees' work when implementing sleep challenges.
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Benefits: Beyond the thrill of competition, increased awareness of sleep habits is a key benefit
Sleep competitions, such as the World Sleep Championships, have gained popularity as a fun way to improve sleep habits and overall health. Beyond the thrill of competition, one of the key benefits of participating in a sleep competition is the increased awareness of one's sleep habits.
By actively tracking and monitoring their sleep patterns, participants gain valuable insights into their nightly routines and identify factors that may be hindering their rest. This heightened awareness naturally leads to a greater motivation to improve sleep quality. When individuals see their sleep metrics quantified and compared to others or their past performance, it often sparks a desire to do better.
Sleep competitions encourage participants to explore different approaches and techniques to improve their sleep. This might include learning about one's circadian rhythm, sleep prep strategies, or even just simple tips for better rest. The pursuit of better sleep can yield profound benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Additionally, group and team-based sleep competitions add a social element that fosters camaraderie and accountability. These competitions might take place among friends, family, or coworkers, with participants comparing their sleep scores and motivating each other to prioritize rest. The social aspect of these competitions can make the experience more enjoyable and engaging.
Through participation in sleep competitions, individuals can experience improved health and well-being, enhanced productivity and focus, and even positive impacts on their personal relationships and life satisfaction. While sleep competitions offer these benefits, it is important to note that they should be approached with caution, as there may be potential drawbacks or criticisms associated with them as well.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeping competition is a competition where participants compete to see who can get the best sleep. It is a way to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and its impact on health and well-being.
In a sleeping competition, participants typically use sleep tracking apps or devices to monitor and record their sleep patterns. These platforms often feature leaderboards, challenges, and rewards for achieving sleep goals. The winner of the competition is usually determined by the person who achieves the highest sleep score, which takes into account factors such as sleep duration and quality.
The duration of sleeping competitions can vary. The World Sleep Championships, for example, lasted for two weeks, with participants competing for over 60 hours of intense competition.
Yes, sleeping competitions usually have rules and restrictions in place. For example, the use of chemical-based sleep medications is strictly prohibited, while natural supplements like melatonin and chamomile tea are allowed. Participants are also encouraged to prioritize rest and maintain good sleep habits throughout the competition.
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