Insomnia at high altitude

At altitude, breathing may become shallower or more irregular during sleep, and frequent brief awakenings can follow. Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue or reduced appetite may point to altitude illness rather than ordinary travel discomfort. Rapid ascent, alcohol and strenuous exertion can make adjustment harder.

Note where you slept, when you arrived, your ascent speed, symptoms and fluid intake. Do not assume severe symptoms are simply insomnia.

Allow time to acclimatise, rest after arrival and avoid further ascent while symptoms are present. Drink normally, avoid alcohol and sedatives unless a clinician who knows your situation has advised them, and keep warm. Follow local mountain or travel-clinic guidance about ascent plans and prescribed altitude medicines.

Sleeping upright may ease congestion for some people, but it does not treat altitude illness. Do not use oxygen equipment or medication borrowed from another traveller.

Descend and seek urgent medical help for worsening headache, confusion, difficulty walking, breathlessness at rest, blue lips, persistent vomiting, fainting or a cough with frothy sputum. A clinician should also review symptoms that do not improve with rest or that begin soon after ascent.

Is my destination suitable with my heart, lung or sleep condition? How should I plan ascent and descent? Which medicines are safe for me, and which symptoms mean I should stop climbing?