Dancers have no problem cramming in more rehearsals, scheduling their days minute to minute, squeezing in a 30-minute private lesson here and there. They have no problem viewing videos on YouTube of their favorite dancers until the wee hours of the morning. The problem is: You are missing out on one of the most important factors involved in becoming the best dancer you can be.

Sleep!

Photo: Dutch National Ballet

Research shows that sleep is the most important behavioral experience we have. Here is why you need sleep in order to be the best version of your dancing self.