A woman from Chongqing, southwestern China, made headlines after winning 10,000 yuan (approximately RM6k) in a unique competition that tested participants ability to abstain from using their mobile phones for eight hours without showing signs of anxiety.

The event, held on November 29 at a shopping center in Chongqing municipality, attracted significant attention both locally and online. Organised by an undisclosed sponsor, the contest required participants to surrender their electronic devices and adhere to strict rules while spending the duration on a designated new bed.

From an initial pool of 100 applicants, ten contestants were chosen to compete in the challenge. They handed over their mobile phones, tablets, and laptops before the start. For emergencies, participants were provided with basic mobile phones that allowed only calling functions. The rules also stipulated that:

Contestants could only leave their beds for toilet breaks, limited to a maximum of five minutes per trip.

The total time away from their beds during the eight-hour period was capped, though specifics were not revealed.

Participants were prohibited from falling into a deep sleep or showing signs of anxiety, monitored through wrist straps measuring sleep quality and anxiety levels.

Drinks and meals were provided to the contestants, who were instructed to consume them in bed. To pass the time, most participants read books or rested with their eyes closed.

After careful verification by event officials, a woman surnamed Dong was crowned the winner with an impressive score of 88.99 out of 100. Her score was based on her ability to stay calm, avoid deep sleep, and spend the longest time in bed. Dong, who works as a sales manager at a finance firm, stood out not only for her performance but also for her choice of attire pyjamas which earned her the nickname "Pyjama Sister" on social media.

Dong shared that her everyday habits likely contributed to her success. As someone who spends her free time tutoring her child rather than aimlessly browsing her phone, the challenge felt manageable.

The competition sparked widespread interest on Chinese social media, where many users expressed curiosity and amusement.

"I want to join the competition. It seems so interesting and not challenging at all," one netizen remarked on Baidu.

Another joked: "My grandma could win the top prize."

Source: South Morning China Post