Americans are using PTO to sleep, not for vacation

A new survey suggests many Americans are spending their paid time off catching up on sleep rather than traveling.

According to Amerisleep.com, which polled more than 1,200 people, 37% said they used vacation days over the past year just to rest.

Even as companies expand PTO policies to become more flexible — and in some cases unlimited — higher living costs may be discouraging people from taking vacations. Fatigue itself is also a factor, with many workers choosing rest over planned activities.

The report found about one in three workers used their vacation time to recover from exhaustion. Millennials reported the highest rate at 43%, followed by 34% of Gen X, 33% of Gen Z, and 20% of baby boomers.

“People often crave this unattainable work/life balance complex where many Americans are using time off just to catch up on rest,” Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “With the demands of children, extended family, and daily social engagement, it stands to reason that many are looking for a respite to recharge the life battery wherever they can.”

The survey also noted that higher earners were 26% more likely to use PTO for sleep compared with those making under $100,000. On average, Americans who took time off to rest spent two to three days catching up on sleep.