This book discusses evidences of physiotherapy and sleep medicine. It elucidates the neurophysiological background and mechanisms for physiotherapeutic resources and techniques, directing the future for promising research in the area. Divided in seven sections, the work initially addresses the basic concepts of sleep and physiotherapy and its relation to practice, including the importance of sleep medicine for health. The second section focuses on the basic conceptions of physical therapists' understanding and working in clinical practice and research with sleep.The next section reviews the most common sleep disturbances such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and respiratory sleep disturbances. Special populations, spotlighting childhood and adolescence, women physiologic reproductive stages, sleep and gender, and sleep and pain interactions are also examined. Last sections discuss the physical therapy resources to improve sleep and to treat sleep disturbances.

This title is an essential resource not only for graduate students, residents, health professionals and physiotherapists working in prevention and rehabilitation, but also for researchers interested in screening, diagnostic and treatment innovations. It is addressed to neurologists, sleep medicine specialists and physical educators as well.

Fernando Morgadinho Santos Coelho, MD, Ph.D., holds his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Science from UNIFESP, and was a post-doctoral research fellow at University of Toronto. Actually, is a Full Professor at Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, at UNIFESP. Clinical experience in Neurology and Sleep Medicine. Development of research in neurology (stroke and rehabilitation) and in sleep diseases (narcolepsy, periodic limb movements of sleep, restless legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea). Author of 'Sleep and Stroke', book published in Brazilian Portuguese and of several book chapters. The highest scientific interest is the overlap between sleep and neurology focusing on an interdisciplinary approach.