High-altitude medicine

ZONE OF KNOWLEDGE

Some sleep soundly in the mountains, the sleep of the righteous, but unfortunately, this is not the rule. Usually, for the first few days at altitude, tossing and turning from side to side, we can't fall asleep – we count sheep... and llamas.

If we do manage to fall asleep, the sleep is often shallow and interrupted, with awakenings caused by, for example, a strong urge to urinate or periodic breathing.

PERIODIC BREATHING

Periodic breathing is a series of pauses in breathing lasting several seconds, occurring after a period of rapid breathing.It is a common phenomenon:

➤ From an altitude of 2800 m – in many people

➤ Above 5000 m – in almost everyone

Note: when deciding on nighttime resuscitation of a partner using mouth-to-mouth, it's worth holding back unless you operate under the principle that "any excuse is good."

WHY IS SLEEP DISTURBED?

The main cause is the lack of oxygen that we breathe at altitude. Additionally, sleep can be disrupted by:

➤ A hard or uneven sleeping surface

➤ Cold and cramped conditions in the tent

➤ A snoring companion

With better acclimatization, sleep becomes deeper and more restorative.

Practical tips:

➤ Invest in a warm, comfortable sleeping bag

➤ Use a comfortable sleeping pad or thermal mattress

➤ Earplugs can be very helpful

➤ Avoid an evening glass of wine or a cup of coffee

MEDICATIONS TO SUPPORT SLEEP

➤ Acetazolamide (Diamox) – 1 tablet at night, improves sleep quality – regulates breathing, works well for periodic breathing

➤ Zolpidem – a tested medication at altitude, does not cause breathing disturbances or excessive daytime sleepiness.Do not use before a summit attempt andin acute cases of altitude sickness (HAPE/HACE)

If insomnia persists for several nights – descend lower and get some sleep.

Note: if you suffer from sleep apnea at lower altitudes, consult a doctor before your trip.

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare yourself health-wise for trekking or a high-altitude expedition, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook"High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training"High Altitude First Aid" >> - designed for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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Meanwhile, you will find a detailed list of expedition first-aid kit contents and precise instructions for preparing an expedition first-aid kit and personal rescue kit in the ebook"Expedition First Aid Kit – A Complete Medical Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in trekking or a high-altitude expedition, it's worth taking advantage ofa medical consultation >> ora telemedicine expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare appropriately for the trip, and increase safety while at altitude.

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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