We’ve all done it: tucked into bed, phone in hand, scrolling through tempting online stores while the house is quiet and the world sleeps. That late-night “me time” might feel harmless, even luxurious. But, new research from PayPal suggests it could be costing Australians more than just a good night’s rest.
Dubbed “Sleepy Shopping,” the phenomenon is officially on the rise. According to PayPal’s Bedtime Browsing Report, nearly 80% of Australians admit to shopping online between 9pm and 5am, with almost a quarter doing so at least once a month. Smartphones have made it easier than ever to browse, click, and check out without leaving the comfort of bed. But while a late-night bargain hunt can feel indulgent, fatigue is quietly influencing how – and what – we buy.
It turns out that tiredness is more than a minor inconvenience. Eighty-six per cent of Australians surveyed say fatigue makes it harder to think clearly, and the consequences are tangible. One in four night-time shoppers report being more impulsive after dark, while one in five admit to spending more than planned. For some, the effects are even more concrete: 16% have received parcels they forgot they ordered, and 18% regret purchases made during these nocturnal browsing sessions. Those few extra clicks might seem innocent at the time, but they can add up quickly, impacting both your budget and your mental space.
Danielle Grant, Consumer Shopping Expert at PayPal Australia, explains, “Our research shows ‘Sleepy Shopping’ is becoming a common habit for Australians, driven by busy days, constant connectivity, and the ease of shopping from our phones. While it can feel like a well-earned way to unwind, fatigue can cloud judgement, making us more likely to overspend or make impulse purchases.”
There’s more at stake than overspending. Late-night shopping also increases vulnerability to scams. More than 80% of Australians say that tiredness makes it easier to miss warning signs, small print, or red flags online. Seventy-six per cent agree that fake websites are harder to spot when we’re fatigued, and 12% admit they’ve accidentally clicked on a suspicious link during nocturnal browsing. Even a seemingly innocuous midnight impulse can open the door to fraud or identity theft.
The takeaway? Late-night shopping isn’t going away, but understanding how fatigue affects decision-making is crucial. “When you’re tired, it’s easier to rush a purchase or miss the warning signs of a scam,” says Grant. “Being aware of these risks is the first step to shopping smarter, even after bedtime.”
Fortunately, simple strategies can help mitigate the risks. Slowing down, double-checking websites, and using secure payment methods can make all the difference. Platforms like PayPal, for example, offer Buyer Protection on eligible purchases—covering items that don’t arrive, aren’t as described, or arrive faulty—adding a layer of confidence to your late-night shopping.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing indulgence with awareness. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, scrolling through your favourite stores, or grabbing a bargain during those quiet hours. But taking a moment to pause, verify, and reflect before clicking “buy” can save both your wallet and your peace of mind. As we increasingly blur the lines between day and night, work and leisure, Sleepy Shopping serves as a gentle reminder that even our bedtime habits deserve a touch of mindfulness.
So, the next time you reach for your phone after lights out, ask yourself: do I really need this, or am I just shopping sleepy? A few thoughtful seconds could make all the difference between a mindful splurge and a forgotten parcel showing up at your door. After all, indulgence is sweeter when it’s intentional.
