\u201cThis can happen if you live at a low altitude and go to the mountains or a city that is at high altitude like Denver, Colo.,\u201d he says. There are different types and severities of high-altitude illness, the most common of which is called \u201cacute mountain sickness,\u201d he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you go to a high altitude, the air pressure drops and there\u2019s less oxygen available,” explains Dasgupta. “Your body works harder to get enough oxygen, and if you don\u2019t give it time to adjust, you can develop altitude sickness, which is your body\u2019s way of reacting to the changes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re worried about feeling sick, or having difficulty sleeping, read on for strategies for sleeping at a high altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping at an altitude you\u2019re not used to can be tough because the lower oxygen levels can affect your breathing patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople often experience periodic breathing\u2014basically, a cycle of fast deep breaths followed by apneas (lack of breathing) or shallow, slow breaths, which can cause frequent awakens and resulting in poor quality sleep<\/a> overall,\u201d says Dasgupta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms can differ depending on the type of high-altitude illness you have. Acute mountain sickness can happen within a day of traveling or climbing to a very high altitude. You might develop headaches, nausea, dizziness, or you might feel “just really wiped out,” says Dasgupta\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may even notice a faster heartbeat or feel short of breath, even at rest. Sleep issues are also common. \u201cIf you have these symptoms, do not travel or climb any higher until you feel better,\u201d says Dasgupta. You should feel better within a day or so, he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it causes breathing issues, it should come as no surprise that sleep apnea<\/a> at a high altitude can worsen. In fact, according to Dasgupta, high altitudes can even trigger a type of apnea called \u201ccentral sleep apnea\u201d in people who don\u2019t normally have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis happens because your body\u2019s oxygen and carbon dioxide balance shifts at altitude, disrupting your normal breathing rhythm during sleep,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To decrease incidence of symptoms, and potentially improve your sleep, Dasgupta recommends giving yourself time to adjust. “Avoid climbing too fast,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDrink plenty of water<\/a> and cut back on alcohol<\/a> and caffeine<\/a>,\u201d says Dasgupta. Alcohol and caffeine are both dehydrating and can exacerbate altitude sickness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have trouble sleeping at an altitude you\u2019re not accustomed to, and your breathing is affected, Dasgupta suggests using extra\u00a0pillows<\/a>\u00a0to prop yourself up when you\u2019re sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Do calming breathing exercises before bed,\u201d says Dasgupta. This can help improve your breathing and relax your body so it’s easier to fall asleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_317761488.jpeg\")
How high altitude impacts sleep quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tips for sleeping better at high altitude<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Give yourself time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Stay hydrated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Load up on pillows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Focus on breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Stick to your routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n