Abstract
Sleep disorders at high altitude are common and well-known for centuries. One symptom of the complex is periodic breathing (PB). PB occurs from a disbalance of the negative feedback loop of ventilation control, and at high altitude, it is increased by a phase shift of 180° between hyperventilation and hypoxia. This paper explains the mechanisms that trigger the problem and discusses whether PB may be of advantage or disadvantage for the person going to high altitude. Up to about 3,000–3,500 m, PB may be of advantage because it stabilizes oxygen saturation at a relatively high level. At higher altitudes, disadvantages predominate because frequent arousals cause total sleep deprivation and mental and physical impairment of the victim. Correct acclimatization and “defensive” altitude profiles are gold standard, which minimize PB and optimizes recreative sleep, although they cannot mask PB completely, especially at extreme altitude.
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Acknowledgments
The manuscript bases on a lecture held at the 2nd International Hypoxia Symposium, Bad Reichenhall/Germany in January 2007. Thanks to the Academy for Mountains and Health, especially Nik Netzer, Assist. Prof., MD, for the perfect organization of the meeting. A warm “Thank you” as well to the colleagues J. Steffgen, M. Hoefer, and U. Gieseler for their long-lasting cooperation and their fantastic companionship in the mountains!
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Küpper, T., Schöffl, V. & Netzer, N. Cheyne stokes breathing at high altitude: a helpful response or a troublemaker?. Sleep Breath 12, 123–127 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-007-0155-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-007-0155-5