Britons are paying what wellbeing brand feeling. calls a new kind of tax — not levied by government, but by exhaustion. The so-called “Tired Tax” reflects the growing financial toll of fatigue, as tiredness drives people to spend more on convenience, comfort and avoidance.

According to an exclusive survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by feeling. in November 2025, the average person spends £395 a month — or £4,740 a year — on costs linked to tiredness. These include takeaways, taxis, unused gym memberships and impulse purchases that people say they resort to when they’re too drained to cook, walk or even return parcels.

The poll found that 72% of respondents admitted to leaving return parcels by the door and forgetting about them entirely. Everyday fatigue, it suggests, is quietly reshaping consumer behaviour and household budgets.

Kiera Lawlor, co-founder of feeling., said tiredness had become both a cultural and economic issue.
“Tiredness has become one of the most expensive emotions,” she said. “We’re not just losing energy — we’re losing money to convenience, caffeine and comfort. When our minds are overstimulated, spending can start to feel like relief.”

The data reveals how the “Tired Tax” builds up through small daily choices. On average, Britons spend £85 a month on caffeine fixes such as coffee or energy drinks, £60 on takeaways, and £50 on taxis or rideshares taken because they were too tired to walk or take public transport. Missed gym sessions, unused memberships, unreturned online orders and last-minute cancellations also add up.

Lawlor said the findings reflect a wider pattern of burnout and overstimulation affecting how people live and spend.
“We talk about burnout as an emotional cost, but it’s also a financial one,” she said. “Being constantly ‘too tired’ leads to convenience spending, missed experiences and wasted memberships. The Tired Tax is real — and most of us are paying it.”

The research adds to growing evidence that fatigue is reshaping consumer trends, with convenience purchases and on-demand services benefiting from time-poor, energy-poor customers.

It recommends a series of small behavioural changes to help reduce unnecessary fatigue-driven spending — from aligning tasks with natural energy peaks to planning rest and meals in advance.