Sleep research Unfinished leads to sleep disturbances at night

Unfinished can lead to sleep problems
"What you can do today, do not postpone tomorrow." Following this old adage also makes sense, if you want to provide better sleep. German researchers have found that unfinished tasks can lead to sleep problems.

Unfinished tasks can lead to sleep problems
It has been known for some time that work stress damages sleep. But also unfinished tasks can disturb the sleep. This is shown by a new study by researchers from the University of Trier and the Fernuniversität Hagen, which has now been published in the journal "Journal of Occupational Health Psychology". During the investigation, the participants were interviewed over a three-month period via an online questionnaire on work stress and sleep quality.

Unfinished tasks can lead to sleep problems. Experts recommend a plan that determines how and where to do the work that is pending. (Image: stockpics / fotolia.com)

Mentally better let go
As the news agency dpa reports, the experts in the study with 59 employees showed that pondering on unfinished tasks may possibly lead to sleep problems on weekends. So if you have work to do on Friday afternoon, you should actively tackle it. The work and organization psychologist Christine Syrek from the University of Trier explained, according to dpa, that before the weekend could make a specific plan, how and where the outstanding tasks should be done. "It turns out that this concrete plan significantly reduces the uncertainty and dissatisfaction with the unfulfilled," says the expert. The employee could then let go mentally better.

Tackle tasks creatively and problem-solving
It is said that the subjects, who were creative and problem-solving, could even benefit a bit. According to Syrek, the more specific a plan for completing a task, the better off. Other studies have shown the positive effects of a book on the bed, in which spontaneous ideas and thoughts are registered. "With the awareness that the important idea is not lost, the sleep or better sleep then better," said the psychologist.

Aufschieberitis leads to health problems
The fact that frequent postponements of numerous tasks can lead to health problems such as stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness and fatigue have also been shown in previous studies. A few months ago, the University Medical Center Mainz also reported on an investigation of people who frequently postponed important activities, more often lived a single life, were more affected by unemployment, had a low income, and were especially found among male students. (Ad)