Sleep apnea and high altitude
Although I have never experienced it myself, folks with sleep apnea may have an even more difficult time sleeping at higher altitudes. Swiss researchers concluded that sleep apnea patients could benefit from the combination of the CPAP machine and a drug called Diamox. There were 51 patients (mostly obese men) in the study, and they were tested at altitudes of 5300 and 8500 feet. According to USNEWs.com “ The combined treatment with acetazolamide and CPAP led to improved levels of oxygen in the blood when patients were awake and sleeping, and better control of sleep apnea; it also reduced the amount of time spent awake during the night, compared with CPAP alone.” Of course, you need to check with your doctor to see if this medication is safe for you. It is also important to remember that sleep apnea patients use CPAP machines. “ Diamox or Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma and prevent acute mountain (altitude) sickness. It is also used as a part of some treatment...