(Commonwealth_Europe) Many Britons are experiencing a significant impact on their well-being due to financial concerns, with an increasing number reporting that these worries are directly affecting their ability to sleep. According to a recent survey conducted by Intuit Credit Karma, nearly one in three individuals in the UK admit that stress about their financial situation is keeping them awake at night. This troubling insight underscores a deeper issue—many people are trapped in a cycle where sleeplessness and money-related anxiety feed into one another, compounding the stress and making it even harder to cope.
The survey paints a broader picture of widespread sleep deprivation across the nation, revealing that almost half of Britons—46 percent—are struggling to get sufficient rest at least three nights a week. On average, the respondents reported sleeping only 5.7 hours per night, which is significantly less than the recommended 7 to 9 hours needed for optimal health and cognitive function. The cumulative effects of this chronic lack of sleep are far-reaching, impacting not only physical and mental health but also people’s financial decision-making abilities.
One of the most striking findings from the survey is the apparent link between sleeplessness and impulsive spending. As tiredness sets in, people’s ability to regulate their emotions and make rational decisions becomes compromised. Around one in five individuals admitted to making non-essential purchases while in a sleep-deprived state. These impulse buys often serve as a temporary mood booster, a way of coping with fatigue and stress, yet they can lead to long-term financial regret.
Food and takeaways emerged as the most frequent late-night indulgence, with 15 percent of respondents succumbing to cravings that prompted spontaneous spending. In addition, 9 percent said they bought clothes or accessories they didn’t need, while 6 percent went as far as purchasing new tech gadgets or booking holidays—perhaps in an attempt to reclaim a sense of control or comfort after a restless night. This kind of spending, while offering momentary relief, can further destabilize financial health, particularly when carried out regularly.
Interestingly, the survey also found that a lack of sleep diminishes people’s willingness or ability to shop wisely. A third of participants admitted they were less likely to seek bargains or compare prices after a poor night’s sleep. The finding suggests that fatigue doesn’t just lead to impulsive spending—it also undermines the kind of strategic, budget-conscious behaviors that are essential for financial resilience.
The connection between nighttime restlessness and money management doesn’t stop with impulsive spending. Many respondents revealed they actively engage in financial activities during the night, possibly in a bid to ease their anxiety. Around 21 percent reported checking their bank balances, 15 percent paid bills, and 12 percent tracked their spending—all during late-night hours. These activities, while well-intentioned, may have the opposite effect, keeping financial stress at the forefront of the mind and making it even harder to relax and fall asleep.
Supporting this, Credit Karma’s user data shows that over the past six months, one million members have logged into their accounts between midnight and 6 a.m. Additionally, 9 percent of users have checked their credit scores during the night—further evidence of how deeply financial concerns permeate people’s lives, even when they should be resting.
Akansha Nath, general manager for international at Intuit Credit Karma, acknowledges the challenges people face in managing their finances when they are tired. She emphasized that fatigue makes it easier to lose control over spending, with impulse buys becoming particularly appealing. To combat this, she recommends taking proactive steps such as setting firm spending limits, automating recurring bill payments, and staying away from apps that encourage instant purchases. These measures can establish beneficial boundaries and lessen the probability of making impulsive financial decisions.
Moreover, Nath suggests changing smartphone usage, like setting screen time limits or disabling financial apps during the night, to minimize late-night financial stress. She believes that by creating intentional space between oneself and financial tasks during the night, people can make clearer, calmer decisions—and perhaps finally get the restful sleep they need.
Ultimately, the survey acts as a stark reminder. With so many Britons caught in the loop of financial anxiety and sleep deprivation, it’s clear that better habits, tools, and support systems are urgently needed. Whether it’s improving financial literacy, building emotional resilience, or simply developing better sleep hygiene, small changes could go a long way in breaking this exhausting cycle.
