The effect of recovery during sleep in working-age adults : independent study material for physiotherapy students.

In working-age adults, the amount of recovery during sleep can vary significantly due to various factors. Recovery and sleep affect each other greatly, so it is important to understand both. The prevalence of sleep issues has been increasing in the recent years and therefore this topic should be included in physiotherapy education. An independent study material could be the solution for this problem and benefit many health care professionals and patients. The aim of this thesis was to understand how people recover during sleep, what affects nocturnal recovery and what tools physiotherapists can use to help patients with sleep and recovery issues. Objectives of the thesis were to gather evidence-based information through a literature search and to compose an independent study material to Moodle platform for physiotherapy students. This thesis consists of a theoretical and practical part. It started with collecting and understanding basic background knowledge about sleep physiology, autonomic nervous system and factors affecting nocturnal heart rate variability. Literature search continued with finding relevant tools that physiotherapists can use for assessment and treatment, with a greater focus on tools that have a higher level of evidence. After completion of the thesis, an independent study material was done in a Moodle platform in co-operation with SAMK. Contents to this interactive study material were chosen to give physiotherapy students the basic knowledge and tools to use in their future career