We just finished reading an interesting article over at Summit Daily News about a potential link between high altitude and sleeping problems.
Apparently, sleeping at high altitudes of around 8,000 – 10,000 feet (where there is less oxygen) can exacerbate sleeplessness.
We’ve not heard of altitude or low oxygen levels being mentioned as a potential insomnia cause before. We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on this one – have you any experience of altitude affecting your sleep? Our comments form is below, as usual.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Altitude insomnia exists in me…. right now.
Every year I take a trip to Switzerland and stay in a hotel at 1800m. Every year I annoyingly fail to sleep every night. I’ve tried drinking more, drinking less, no caffine, more caffine, sleeping tablets, lots of exercise – nothing works. I’ve just googled altitude insomnia and found a few links, but I don’t suffer from dizziness, lack of appetite or lethargy. Just frustration from not being ablt to sleep.
That’s really interesting – thanks for sharing, Jules. When you return home are you able to immediately return to your previous sleep pattern?
I have it right now. Thank God I head back to sea level today a full day earlier than originally planned!
Had you suffered from insomnia before your high altitude trip, John?