This App Rewards You for Falling Asleep on Zoom 😴💻💸

Yes, you read that right. An app exists that literally pays you for falling asleep on Zoom. While most of us fear being caught dozing off during online classes, boring work calls, or endless family meetings, this app flips the script: the very thing you’ve been criticized for your whole life—falling asleep in front of a screen—can now become a side hustle.

When I first heard about it, I thought it was either a scam or a strange social experiment. But curiosity got the better of me. I installed the app, joined my first sleepy session, and discovered a world where snoring isn’t embarrassing—it’s profitable.

So, let’s dive into how this bizarre app works, why people are obsessed with it, and whether you should risk putting your Zoom face on snooze for some extra cash.

How the “Sleep-to-Earn” Concept Started

Most money-making apps reward action: walking, answering surveys, playing games, or even watching ads. But what if the absence of action—literally shutting down and letting your body rest—was the key?

The creators of this app claim they were inspired by two things:

The rise of sleep-streaming culture in Asia, where people tune in to watch strangers sleep.
The insane number of hours people spend on Zoom calls without adding value.

Their thought: What if we combine them? What if sleeping becomes a performance, and Zoom becomes the stage?

And that’s how this odd app came to life.

How It Actually Works (Yes, I Tried It)

Here’s the process:

Download the app and sync it with Zoom.
Join a scheduled “sleep session” where participants leave their cameras on.
The app tracks “sleep quality” using facial recognition, eye movement detection, and audio (yes, your snores count as data).
The longer and more “peaceful” your sleep looks, the more coins you earn.
Coins can be converted into real money, gift cards, or quirky items like “digital pillows” and “golden blankets.”

Sounds insane? I thought so too. But when I tested it, I earned $2.80 for falling asleep during a one-hour session. That’s almost the same as a cheap coffee—earned just by drooling on my pillow in front of strangers.

The Bizarre Social Element

The weirdest part isn’t the payment—it’s the audience.

Yes, other participants can watch you sleep. Some find it soothing, others treat it like a competition: “Who can nap the longest without waking up?” There are even leaderboards showing the “Top Sleepers of the Week.”

I joined a session where someone had set up fairy lights around their bed, another had their cat curled up beside them, and one guy snored so loudly he became a legend in the chat.

It’s oddly wholesome, yet undeniably strange.

Why Would Anyone Pay for This?

Here’s where the analysis gets interesting. Why would an app pay people to sleep on Zoom?

The answer: attention economy + data economy.

Sleep as Content
Just like Twitch streams or ASMR videos, watching someone sleep has become a niche form of entertainment. The app monetizes through ads, sponsors, and premium memberships.
Sleep Data
Companies are obsessed with sleep research. By tracking how long you nap, how often you move, or even how you breathe, the app gathers data valuable for health-tech companies. Your snore might be helping train the next generation of smartwatches.
Gamification
They turn something natural—sleep—into a game. People compete, stay engaged, and return daily, which keeps the app alive.

My First Week of Sleeping for Cash

I decided to run a personal experiment: one week of falling asleep on Zoom to see how much money I could earn.

Day 1: Fell asleep awkwardly in my chair. Earned $1.20. Neck pain: priceless.
Day 2: Tried lying in bed. Earned $3.10. Someone commented “your blanket looks comfy.” Weird but supportive.
Day 3: Cat joined the frame. Audience loved it. Earned $5.50—apparently pets boost engagement.
Day 4: Snored too loudly, app marked it as “low-quality sleep.” Earned only $0.80. Yes, my snore cost me money.
Day 5: Accidentally slept through the entire night. Zoom kicked me out after 8 hours. Earned $12.
Day 6: Got creative, wore pajamas with cartoon characters. Audience engagement went up. Earned $7.
Day 7: Tried “competitive napping” with a friend. We both joined the same session. I lasted longer. Earned $9. She got $6.

Total for one week: $38.60.

Not bad for just… sleeping.

The Strange Psychology of It

I never thought I’d feel nervous about people watching me sleep, but I did. It’s like being vulnerable on stage without speaking a word. Some people find it freeing, others unsettling.

It also raises a philosophical question: If sleep becomes work, are we truly resting?

Ironically, I found myself stressing about whether my sleep “looked good” enough to earn. Can you imagine trying to force yourself to relax?

Still, it was fun. And fun pays, apparently.

Fictional Twist: The Night I “Sleep-Acted”

One night I decided to test the limits. What if I faked sleep?

I closed my eyes, stayed perfectly still, and tried to act unconscious. The app caught me. It marked me as “inactive” instead of “asleep” and paid me $0. Zero. Nothing.

Turns out the system can distinguish between “stillness” and “real sleep.” Creepy? Yes. Impressive? Also yes.

Could This Become a Future Job?

Imagine a future where job descriptions include:

Professional Sleeper
Competitive Nap Influencer
Zoom Sleep Ambassador

It sounds ridiculous, but we already live in a world where people earn money from eating on camera, unboxing toys, or making slime noises. Sleep-streaming might be the next big thing.

Risks and Red Flags

Not everything about this app is dreamy.

Privacy Concerns: You’re literally sleeping on camera. Who’s watching? Where does that footage go?
Health Risks: Forcing yourself into unnatural sleep cycles just to earn could backfire.
Scams: With apps like these, there’s always a chance of exaggerated promises. Some clones popped up that never actually paid users.

So, while it’s funny and profitable in the short term, caution is key.

The Community Aspect

What surprised me most wasn’t the money but the community vibe. People genuinely cheered each other on:

“Sweet dreams, see you on the leaderboard!”
“Your dog snoring in the background made my night.”
“Respect to the 8-hour nap king.”

In a weird way, it felt less like earning money and more like joining a global slumber party.

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re curious, adventurous, and don’t mind strangers watching you sleep, then yes—it’s worth trying. You won’t get rich, but you’ll collect some funny stories and maybe cover your snack budget.

If you’re private, anxious, or concerned about data, maybe stick to traditional sleep—unmonetized, but peaceful.

✅ Sources

HuffPost — Why Sleep Streams Are the Weird New Trend on the Internet (2023)
The Verge — Zoom Fatigue and the Rise of Strange Virtual Economies (2022)
Wired — Gamifying Daily Life: From Steps to Sleep (2021)
Personal Experiment Notes (2025)

Written by the author, Fatima Al-Hajri 👩🏻‍💻