Sleepy Shopping: How Late-Night Browsing Drives Australian Consumer Debt
New research from PayPal Australia reveals that 79% of Australians engage in "sleepy shopping" between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The report highlights how fatigue drives impulse spending, increases buyer’s regret, and leaves consumers more vulnerable to online scams and fraudulent websites.
Harry Taruva 
Sydney - Tired Australians are increasingly turning to "sleepy shopping" to reclaim personal time, but the habit is driving a surge in impulse spending and heightening the risk of falling victim to online scams, according to new research from PayPal.
A report released recently by the digital payments giant found that nearly four-in-five Australians, about 79%, have made online purchases between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The trend is fueled by the ubiquity of smartphones, allowing consumers to browse and buy directly from bed.
Fatigue and Financial Regret
The data suggests that the "me time" sought by busy Australians comes at a significant financial cost.
PayPal’s Bedtime Browsing Report says 86% of respondents admitted that fatigue impairs their judgment, making it harder to think clearly.
The consequences of late-night browsing include impulse buying, about 25% of night-time shoppers reported being more likely to buy on impulse.
Overspendingbwas also cited, with 22% admitting to spending more than they had originally planned.
About 18% purchased items they later regretted, while 16% received packages they had forgotten they even ordered.
"While late-night shopping can feel like a well-earned way to unwind, fatigue can cloud judgement," said Danielle Grant, Consumer Shopping Expert at PayPal Australia.
"When we’re tired, we’re more likely to make impulse purchases... and those small decisions can add up quickly," she said.
Rising Security Risks
Beyond the impact on bank balances, the research highlights a growing security gap.
Approximately 83% of Australians believe it is easier to miss red flags or fine print when shopping while tired.
The study found that 12% of night-time shoppers have accidentally clicked on a suspicious link, and 11% have landed on fake websites.
Over three-quarters of respondents, 76%, noted that fraudulent sites are significantly harder to recognize during late-night hours, the report reveals.
As sleepy shopping becomes a fixture of the Australian digital economy, PayPal is urging consumers to utilize secure payment platforms and buyer protection programs to mitigate risks.
"Stopping to think before you click ‘buy’ can make a real difference to protecting both your money and your personal information," Grant added.
The findings are based on a YouGov study of 1,000 Australian adults conducted in late 2025.
PayPal, which has operated in Australia since 2005, currently maintains over 9.5 million active accounts in the country.
