Global progress in sleep health is driven by professionals who connect education, research, and community impact.
Dr. Cristina Frange, based in São Paulo, Brazil, is one of these leaders. Her work spans clinical care, research, and international collaboration, with expertise in PAP adherence and restless legs syndrome.
Through the World Sleep Academy, she expanded her knowledge and became part of a global network of professionals committed to advancing sleep health.
Her contributions extend across multiple countries through conferences, education, and collaboration. She has also supported public awareness efforts through World Sleep Day initiatives in Brazil.
Her journey reflects a broader pathway in sleep science. Professionals build knowledge, connect globally, and advance into research and leadership roles.
Programs like the World Sleep Academy and ISRTP help make this progression possible.
Read More: Building the Global Sleep Innovation Engine by Dr. Cristina Frange
The global sleep field continues to expand through the work of professionals who help connect research, education, and public awareness across countries. Dr. Cristina Frange from Brazil is one of these contributors. Her work shows a path others can follow.
Start at the beginning: Build your expertise in sleep science
Dr. Frange is a researcher and clinician based in São Paulo, Brazil. She completed her PhD in Medicine and Biology of Sleep at Psychobiology Department in 2017 and later a postdoctoral fellowship in neuroscience at Neurology and Neurosurgery Department in 2022, both at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), one of the leading centers for sleep research in Latin America. She is also the editor of Sleep Medicine and Physical Therapy: a complete guide for practitioners (2022) and Clinical Cases in Sleep Physical Therapy (2023), which brought together several physiotherapists who work with sleep around the world. In Brazil she organized together with Brazilian Sleep Association the guideline Practice recommendations for the role of physiotherapy in the management of sleep disorders (2022). Her research explores how sleep influences health outcomes and how sleep disorders can be addressed through physiotherapy and multidisciplinary care. Among hers specializations are PAP adherence protocols and the treatment of restless legs syndrome.
Connect with others in the global community: Join the World Sleep Academy
Dr. Frange completed advanced sleep training through the World Sleep Academy (WSA), becoming part of the Academy’s international faculty network. She currently serves on the WSA committee, which focuses on strategic planning for the future.
Education is a central pillar of the World Sleep Society, and the WSA serves as one of its key global training initiatives. The WSA brings together professionals from many countries and disciplines, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and strengthen the global sleep workforce.
Dr. Frange’s WSA journey, from student to committee member shows her ongoing commitment to global sleep education and collaboration. She wants to help the WSA “build the global sleep innovation engine”.
Share your knowledge to help others around the world
In addition to her Academy work, Dr. Frange has been active in international professional education. She has presented on sleep health and interdisciplinary collaboration at conferences and educational events across several countries, including Brazil, Greece, Israel, India, Portugal, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
Dr. Frange’s international work demonstrates how sleep education increasingly crosses disciplinary and geographic boundaries. She, and other sleep experts, bring sleep science to diverse professional audiences, strengthening the global foundation of sleep knowledge.
Support your home team: World Sleep Day in Brazil
Dr. Frange has supported World Sleep Day activities in Brazil through several educational outreach organized by the Brazilian Sleep Association. During World Sleep Day 2014, for example, she was on streets with other professionals talking to the population about sleep to raise awareness on its importance. Since then she has participated with online, Tv, radio and YouTube podcast, and in loco presentations on the importance of healthy sleep for all.
Get involved in the details: Rio World Sleep Congress
Dr. Frange had a pivotal role as a delegate at the 2023 Rio World Sleep Congress. Her home organization hosted the Congress, so she was deeply involved in the volunteer planning process. During the Congress, she also organized events for WSA alumni and provided a warm welcome to countless visitors.
A shared global vision, one relationship at a time
The continued growth of sleep medicine depends on collaboration across countries, disciplines, and institutions. Educators like Dr. Frange show us that we can work towards improved sleep health worldwide, as long as we work together and find joy in our relationships with each other.
