high altitude type II and sleep problems

[steve c]

I attempted to climb Kilimonjaro and had a major problem trying to sleep. As I drifted off my breathing would slow down and then stop. I'd wake up gasping for air. This happened the first night around 10,000 feet. The second night was around 12,000 and even more severe. I had no signs of altitude sickness (headache, want to throw up, fatigue) at any time. I was diffionately in shape for the climb. I'm boarderline type two and have been solid in the normal range for blood sugar. I went off a low carb diet and ate wht the guide service gave us which was basically a high carb diet. I've had no signs of sleep disorderes at sea level where I live. I've also been close to 15,000 feet with heavy activity (day hike Mt. whitney, two on Mt. shasta) Any Ideas? I really don't want my opportunity to go to high altitude +19,000 feet over because I can't sleep above 10,000 feet.

Thanks for any ideas
Steve in Sacto

[Harold]

While changing your diet may cause sleep problems it should not cause you to gasp for air. Maybe your body needs to be trained to acclamate to higher altitudes. Like maybe spending a week camping at 10K+ feet.

[steve c]

uhmm... spending a week at 10,000 would be difficult if I can't sleep. I've spent multiple nights around 7-8,000 feet with no problems. I also spent 2 nights at 6,000 before we went to the trailhead. I'm just trying to get an idea if there is a physological link between type two, heavy exersize, high altidude, and breathing problems when sleeping. My doc. is running a cbc pannel and a thyroid check.

[Jayo]

Hmmm...do you have any breathing problems when awake?....Diabetes affects the circulatory system which the lungs are part of..so it's logical to think that the high altitudes where the air is thinner is affecting your breathing....