The importance of sleep in dance

The role of sleep in supporting performance and good physical and psychological health in Irish dancers is an emerging area of research. However indications from existing studies in dancers, athletes and the general population indicate that good quality and quantity sleep is important to optimize wellbeing in these groups. Sleep is a cyclical process of stages that facilitates important restorative bio-psychological processes. In dancers, interruptions to this process can be caused by a myriad of factors including excess training, travel and changing time zones, competition anxiety, and health-related issues. While occasional interruptions to sleep are to be expected, and generally cause no ill effects, longer-term suboptimal sleep should be addressed. A number of approaches for the management of poor sleep are explored, including behavioral strategies (sleep hygiene) cognitive approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and medication. Tips for supporting healthy sleep are presented.