At climbing Kilimanjaro, the higher you rise, the thinner the air becomes, that is, in it concentration drops necessary for life oxygen, as well as other constituent gases. At the top of Kilimanjaro, lungs full of air contain only half oxygen but from the amount that a full breath would contain at sea level. Given enough time, the human body adapts to an oxygen-poor environment by producing more red blood cells. But this takes weeks, which few can afford. Therefore, almost everyone who climbs a mountain (or another mountain above 3000 m) experiences the effects of altitude. unpleasant symptoms , which are called altitude or mountain sickness (in mountaineering slang - “ miner"). These include shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia and, as a consequence of all this, exhaustion and irritability. These symptoms appear at the end of the second or third day of climbing Kilimanjaro. Usually they should not be a cause for great concern, but vomiting should be taken seriously: it is necessary to restore the amount liquids in the body. At altitude, moisture loss occurs very quickly, imperceptibly at first, but soon incapacitates a person, increasing altitude sickness.

Much more dangerous acute attack mountain sickness when it becomes chronic. In English it is called acute mountain sickness ( AMS). Its symptoms include all of the above plus one or more of the following: very severe headache, shortness of breath at rest, flu-like state, persistent dry cough, chest tightness, blood in saliva and/or urine, lethargy, hallucinations; the victim cannot stand upright, think critically and assess the situation. In that case IMMEDIATELY descend to a lower altitude, without stopping, even at night. Keep in mind that it is in the morning, in the pre-dawn hours, that the course of the disease worsens. At the same time, as stated above, the patient may think that he is able to continue to climb - this is not the case. The last word here belongs to the guides.

The sick person is accompanied downstairs by an assistant guide, without damage for the rest of the group. Ignoring the signs of acute mountain sickness can lead to death due to swelling of the brain or lungs. Several people die from this every year on Kilimanjaro. It is impossible to predict in advance who will suffer from altitude sickness, even in a well-equipped medical institution: this trouble awaits young and mature, athletic and not so athletic, beginners and even experienced climbers, so watch your health, don't hide, if you feel unwell, and listen to the guide's instructions.

There are methods proven over decades of climbing reduce risk altitude sickness. First of all, this is a gradual step-by-step acclimatization. It is this principle that is embedded in, when before Kilimanjaro (5895 m) we climb the neighboring lower mountains of Meru (4562 m) or Kenya (Lenana Peak 4985 m), before Elbrus (5642 m) - to the four-thousanders Kurmychi or Cheget, etc. Altitude acclimatization after climbing or trekking is maximum within 1-2 months, after six months it's fading away. Many people successfully use this when planning their trips, successively visiting increasingly higher altitude areas. As for any physical training at sea level (at aerobic mode), then they few help the normal functioning of the body at altitude. On the contrary, they often play a cruel joke on athletes: having become accustomed to enduring loads, they continue to move at the same pace at altitude, not paying attention to the symptoms of altitude sickness, until it knocks them down, so it is necessary emergency evacuation. Ordinary people move more slowly, react sensitively to their condition, so their body rebuilds more efficiently, and they more often reach the top. What a paradox! Really, If you drive more quietly, you will continue.

In addition, effective acclimatization is facilitated by the right way of life(as far as possible), quitting smoking, alcohol, and, as far as possible, yoga (we have extensive experience in supporting yoga tours). In terms of nutrition, the simplest thing that can be offered is vitamins And raisin, helping the heart work. You should start using it two weeks to a month before climbing, in the morning, pouring it halfway into a glass and soaking it overnight. Dried fruits They help a lot in the mountains, these are the same raisins, dried apricots And prunes. They need to be slowly dissolved under the tongue. Two or three 300 gram bags are enough for two weeks.

Medication support acclimatization is a very big topic. For anyone specifically interested in this, we can recommend the works of Igor Pokhvalin, a professional doctor and high-altitude mountaineer. Briefly, up to altitudes of 6500 m, after which real high-altitude mountaineering begins, the situation looks like this. Some medications are claimed to relieve the problem of altitude sickness. But opinions about their advantages and disadvantages are diametrically opposed, therefore, before using anything, consult with a medical specialist. Most of the controversy is around the most commonly used drug. It's widely known diacarb, in the west – diamox, or acetazolamide. In fact, no one yet fully knows whether it cures the cause of mountain sickness, or only reduces symptoms, thereby masking vital indications for emergency evacuation, such as a splitting headache. In this case, if you do not turn down immediately, you may experience cerebral edema, leading to depression of the respiratory centers. Therefore, professional organizers of commercial climbs on mountains more serious than Kilimanjaro, such as Aconcagua and McKinley, advocate against preventive use Diacarba(daimoxa). However, on Kilimanjaro many people use it as doping. As a result, at the top you can often see elderly pensioners from the West who outwardly feel better than the younger ones - this is the miracle of dymox. The British Medical Association recommends starting this drug in three days before ascending to a high altitude, about 4000 m. For Kilimanjaro, this corresponds to the morning of the first day of ascent. Diacarb (and its Western counterpart) has two known side effects : first of all, it is extremely effective diuretic(originally created to reduce eye pressure). Most are forced to relieve themselves at least every two hours, including at night, which in itself problem(climbing out of the tent and lack of sleep). As mentioned above, all lost fluid must be restored, and this means drinking not less than 4 liters per day (and not 2, as without Diacarb). The second point is tingling and numbness in the tips of the fingers and toes. Moreover, some point out bad taste in the mouth. However, most people feel better at altitude if they take Diacarb. Alternative – modern drug hypoxene(it is significantly more expensive) or gingko biloba(gingko biloba) 120 mg twice a day, starting a few days before climbing. The Last Cure not suitable if you are prone to nosebleeds. On our travels we successfully use asparkam (panangin), distributing a tablet to all participants in the morning and evening during the climb. This is vitamin c K And Mg, which helps the heart work and oxygen saturation of the blood ( Placebo effect also cannot be overestimated). Finally, the simplest thing - aspirin or its combination with citramon or codeine. Theoretically, it thins the blood, it passes through the capillaries more easily, and the headache goes away. There is an opinion that this is also only masks symptoms(applies to any painkillers), so use moderation and caution in everything. Never climb above tree line (about 2700 m) if you have temperature, nosebleeds, severe cold or flu, inflammation larynx, respiratory infection.

The bottom line is: most preferable proper acclimatization, preventing the occurrence of attacks of mountain sickness. Returning to our route, we draw your attention to the fact that all our groups that went down the combination climbed to its top not only in full force, but also alert enough to appreciate the unique places they pass through.

Vitamins play an important role in human nutrition. They participate in metabolism, stimulate oxidative reactions, increase the endurance and resistance of mountain hikers to hypoxia, and improve the supply of oxygen to tissues.

On all trips where the amount of vegetables and fruits on the menu is limited, there is a lack of vitamins and some other substances. Fortunately, the amount of vitamins a person needs is small. Their deficiency can be easily compensated by taking artificial vitamin preparations.

On difficult hikes, especially in the mountains, the need for vitamins increases, so without artificial vitamins it decreases. Lack of vitamins in food can for a long time do not have a noticeable effect on performance, but have an unexpected effect under high loads or severe fatigue. The most important vitamins include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), B complex vitamins and vitamins PP (nicotinamide) and P (aronia extract) included in multivitamin preparations (undevit, aerovit, kvadevit, etc.). Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid), which is not included in conventional multivitamin preparations, is no less important.

To others medications, helping athletes and tourists adapt and endure loads, include.

- General strengthening - calcium gluconate.
— Stimulants of metabolic processes - potassium orotate, which stimulates the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle.
- Methionine, which facilitates the absorption of fats.
- Glutamic acid, which binds ammonia - a waste product of the brain.
— Energy action drugs - glutamic acid and calcium glycerophosphate.
— Hematopoietic stimulants (such as hematogen), increasing the hemoglobin content in the blood, which facilitates altitude adaptation.
— Adaptogens - substances that increase the body’s resistance in extreme conditions - Eleutherococcus, Dibazol, etc.

Composition and dosage of a vitamin diet during a hiking trip.

The composition and dosage of the vitamin diet depends on the complexity of the route, climatic conditions, and in the mountains, on the altitude to which tourists climb. On simple hikes (on the plains, at altitudes up to 3.5 thousand meters in the Caucasus and up to 4 thousand meters in Central Asia), they usually take multivitamins (undevit, aerovit, etc.) 2-3 tablets (dragées) and vitamin C 0.5 g per day. Before difficult hikes, as well as before competitions in many sports, pre-vitaminization of athletes is practiced.

The supply of vitamins created in this way in the body helps to endure high loads and facilitates adaptation to new conditions at the beginning of the hike. Mountain tourists during this period, with the help special drugs it is possible to slightly change the composition of the blood so that the restructuring of the body necessary for high-altitude acclimatization partially takes place before leaving for the mountains. For the purpose of fortification, the same vitamins are taken here in the same dosage as on simple hikes.

And additionally 3-4 tablets of vitamin B15, 3-4 tablets of calcium gluconate, and before mountain hiking - hematogen. As directed on the package or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Many tourists take adaptogenic drugs a month before the hike - Eleutherococcus, Schisandra, etc. On short but difficult mountain hikes in the off-season (climbing Elbrus, Kazbek, etc.), tourists are in a state of chronic mountain sickness throughout the entire hike.

To successfully fight it and endure intense physical activity, they take 6 Aerovit or Quadevit tablets, 1.5-2 g of vitamin C, vitamin B15 2 tablets 4 times a day. They also continue to take calcium gluconate - 6 tablets per day, methionine and glutamic acid - 2-4 tablets per day. Depending on the condition of a particular tourist. Some tourists continue to take eleutherococcus and hematogen until they rise to an altitude of 4000 meters.

Not all tourist groups use the entire specified range of drugs. However, such shock vitamin diets have been repeatedly used by high-altitude mountaineers as prescribed by the accompanying group of doctors (G. Rung, N. Zavgarova) and have proven to be highly effective. On long mountain routes, where acclimatization takes place in a gentle manner, there is no need to take hematogen and potassium orotate. Moreover, potassium orotate, when taken regularly, delays the body’s adaptation.

Methionine must be accompanied fatty foods, and glutamic acid is used mainly for “brain cleaning”. If there is causeless irritation among the participants of the hike. To these are added the obligatory aerovit or kvadevit - 4-5 tablets each, B15 - up to 0.5 g (8 tablets). And also vitamin C - 1-1.5 g per day. For all types of tourism on the main part of the route, the dosage of vitamins can be: Multivitamins - up to 4 tablets, vitamins B15 - 4-6 tablets and vitamin C - up to 1 g. Other medications are taken only in the mountains as needed.

On assault days and at altitudes above 5500 meters, it is advisable to increase the dosage of vitamins to acclimatization standards. Adding 2-4 tablets of methionine and glutamic acid, and for hard work at an altitude of more than 5500 meters - to the norms typical for hiking in the off-season.

Based on materials from the book “Food on a Hiking Trip.”
Alekseev A.A.

And now ahead is the planned ascent to Elbrus, Mont Blanc, Kazbek or another high mountain.

Where to start? How to prepare yourself to successfully achieve your goal? How can you count on your body’s help in high altitude conditions?

How to fit a training schedule into your normal life routine and what should you focus on?

Here are some of the most important tips which may be useful to you:

1. Physical training

You need to prepare in advance. Believe me, a week of cross-country training and doing pull-ups in the yard on the horizontal bar before climbing are unlikely to help you.

Crosses from 40 min. It is in long cross-country races that a certain endurance is developed, which contributes to a successful ascent. The body begins to adapt to the long-term stress that it will experience. So: 2-3 times a week 45 min cross-country.
Pull-ups and dips will tone the upper muscles.
Squat on one leg (pistol). An important exercise that we performed at all sports training camps. Will allow you to prepare your leg muscles for long-term loads and walking on steep climbs.
Abs won't hurt. Include it in the set of exercises listed.

Perform a set of exercises after the cross-country, 2-3 approaches in a circle.

Be sure to give your body a rest from any stress 7-10 days before the tour program. Take a rest so that you arrive in the mountains not overloaded and tired.

2. Fortification of the body

Extreme loads quite deplete the body’s balance, especially in high altitude conditions. Fortification must be carried out in advance. Approximately a month before the planned ascent.

Include vitamin C in your diet, as well as Vitrum or Duovit complexes. Vitamins for the heart muscle: “Asparkan”, “Riboxin”.

When taking several vitamin complexes Please note that the composition of the elements is not repeated.

Taking vitamins is also advisable throughout the ascent.

Many climbers take dietary supplements along with vitamins. Personally, I will say that some dietary supplements made me feel great.

3. Food

Before the mountains, pay attention to the need for a balanced diet. Refrain from overeating, drinking alcohol, smoking. Let your body feel the tone. He is very important. Listen to your body.

You and your body are a whole system that will experience very serious stress, physical and psychological. So take your preparation seriously.

Dried fruits, nuts, fruits are taken both before and during the ascent.

4. Nervous system

Prepare yourself to be resilient to stress. Climbing at high altitude is already stressful in itself, so do not overload your nervous system in advance. Do yoga, perform a series of asanas, practice pranayama (breathing practices). Come into a state of harmony. THIS IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT! Let your system work for you. Consider the process of ascent not just as a physical activity and going beyond certain limits of the usual, but tune in to interact with the forces of nature, feel unity with them.

Let your ascent become a philosophy. And you will succeed!

Vitamins and medications

Vitamins play an important role in human nutrition. They participate in metabolism, stimulate oxidative reactions, increase the endurance and resistance of mountain hikers to hypoxia, and improve the supply of oxygen to tissues.

On all trips where the amount of vegetables and fruits on the menu is limited, there is a lack of vitamins and some other substances. Fortunately, the amount of vitamins a person needs is small; their deficiency can be easily compensated by taking artificial vitamin preparations.

On difficult hikes, especially in the mountains, the need for vitamins increases, so without artificial vitamins the BDP decreases. A lack of vitamins in food may not have a noticeable effect on performance for a long time, but it can suddenly affect it under high loads or severe fatigue.

The most important vitamins include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), B complex vitamins and vitamins PP (nicotinamide) and P (aronia extract) included in multivitamin preparations (undevit, aerovit, kvadevit, etc.). No less important is vitamin B]5 (pangamic acid), which is not included in conventional multivitamin preparations.

Other medications that help athletes and tourists adapt and tolerate stress include:

restorative- calcium gluconate;

metabolic stimulants- potassium orotate, which stimulates the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle; methionine, which facilitates the absorption of fats; glutamic acid, which binds ammonia, is a waste product of the brain;

energy preparations- glutamic acid and calcium glycerophosphate;

hematopoietic stimulants(type hematogen), increasing the content of hemoglobin in the blood, which facilitates altitude adaptation;

adaptogens- substances that increase the body’s resistance in extreme conditions - eleutherococcus, dibazol, etc.

The composition and dosage of the vitamin diet depends on the complexity of the route, climatic conditions, and in the mountains, on the altitude to which tourists climb.

On simple hikes (on the plains, at altitudes up to 3.5 thousand meters in the Caucasus and up to 4 thousand meters in Central Asia), they usually take multivitamins (undevit, aerovit, etc.) 2-3 tablets (dragées) and vitamin C 0.5 g per day.

Before difficult hikes, as well as before competitions in many sports, pre-vitaminization of athletes is practiced.

The supply of vitamins created in this way in the body helps to endure high loads and facilitates adaptation to new conditions at the beginning of the hike. During this period, mountain tourists, with the help of special medications, manage to slightly change the composition of the blood so that the restructuring of the body necessary for high-altitude acclimatization partially takes place before leaving for the mountains.

For the purpose of fortification, here they take the same vitamins in the same dosage as in simple hikes (see above), and additionally 3-4 tablets of vitamin B 15, 3-4 tablets of calcium gluconate, and before mountain hikes - hematogen (in according to package directions or doctor's recommendations). Many tourists take adaptogenic drugs a month before the trip - eleutherococcus, lemongrass, etc.

In short but difficult mountain hikes in the off-season (climbing Elbrus, Kazbek, etc.), tourists are in a state of chronic mountain sickness throughout the entire trip. To successfully fight it and endure intense physical activity, they take 6 Aerovit or Quadevit tablets, 1.5-2 g of vitamin C, vitamin B 15, 2 tablets 4 times a day, continue to take calcium gluconate - 6 tablets a day , methionine and glutamic acid - 2-4 tablets per day (depending on the condition of the individual tourist). Some tourists continue to take eleutherococcus and hematogen until they rise to an altitude of 4000 meters.

Not all tourist groups use the entire specified complex of drugs, however, such shock vitamin rations have been repeatedly used by high-altitude mountaineers as prescribed by the doctors accompanying the group (G. Rung, N. Zavgarova) and have proven to be highly effective.

On long mountain routes, where acclimatization takes place in a gentle manner, there is no need to take hematogen and potassium orotate, especially since potassium orotate, when taken regularly, delays the body’s adaptation. Methionine should accompany fatty foods, and glutamic acid is used mainly to “cleanse the brain” if causeless irritation occurs among the participants in the hike. To these are added the obligatory aerovit or kvadevit - 4-5 tablets each, B]5 - up to 0.5 g (8 tablets) and vitamin C - 1-1.5 g per day.

For all types of tourism on the main part of the route, the dosage of vitamins can be: multivitamins - up to 4 tablets, B ]5 - 4-6 tablets and vitamin C - up to 1 g. Other medications are taken only in the mountains as needed. On assault days and at altitudes above 5500 meters, it is advisable to increase the dosage to acclimatization standards, adding 2-4 tablets of methionine and glutamic acid, and for hard work at altitudes above 5500 meters - to the standards typical for hiking in the off-season (see above) .

1. 30-60 days before the trip, run/walk at least 10 km a day. We train mainly the legs and lungs.
2. Take multivitamins. (see below)
3. If there are problems with blood vessels and immunity, then we take special. medications (see below).
4. If you are poorly prepared, in agreement with your doctor, 15 days before the start of the trip we begin taking capillary protectors and drugs that increase blood hemoglobin (see below).

As you know, the higher the altitude above sea level, the less oxygen in the air. Climbing too quickly can cause altitude sickness, which in turn can be fatal. Crossing several passes on the route requires acclimatization. At some points along the route, the oxygen content is 50% of the oxygen content in the air we are used to. The body needs many days to adapt to such conditions. For safety reasons, acclimatization is absolutely necessary. Our tours are designed in such a way as to reduce the risk of altitude sickness to a minimum. The climb is always smooth. However, we encourage you to check out a good article on altitude sickness posted HERE. Pay attention to preparing for trekking and have a special “high-altitude first aid kit” with you.

Prevention of mountain sickness:

3 months before the ascent to prepare the heart, blood vessels and respiratory system It is recommended to start jogging at least 3 times a week, and no less than 4 km. You can practice cycling. At the same time, the recommended duration of training is at least 60 minutes a day.
2 months before the ascent, you can start taking medications that increase blood hemoglobin, adaptogens and capillary protectors (capillary tablets, 3-4 pieces on an empty stomach, chew).
For those who are weather-sensitive, prone to headaches, and people with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, in consultation with the doctor a month before the ascent, take Cavinton or Ginko Biloba to improve cerebral circulation.
Hypoxen is an antihypoxic and antioxidant drug (accelerates acclimatization) - 7 days before the start.
Chinese drug on herbs to accelerate acclimatization and prevent mountain sickness, “hong jing tian” can only be bought in China.
Take a multivitamin with a mandatory content of all microelements a month before climbing the mountains. Duovit or similar.
Cavinton, “... improves brain metabolism, increasing the consumption of glucose and oxygen by brain tissue”;
Hypoxen, “...ensures a decrease in oxygen consumption during significant physical exertion, improves tissue respiration,” reduces mental and physical fatigue;
Mildronate, “... restores the balance between the supply and need of cells for oxygen, eliminates the accumulation of toxic metabolic products in cells, and has a tonic effect”;
Aescusian, “...has a venotonic effect, reduces feelings of fatigue, itching, heaviness, and pain in the legs.”
Phenotropil has a moderate stimulating effect on motor reactions and increases physical performance.
The moderate psychostimulating effect of the drug is combined with anxiolytic activity. Phenotropil improves mood, has an analgesic effect, increasing the threshold of pain sensitivity, has an adaptogenic effect, increasing the body's resistance to stress under conditions of increased mental and physical stress, fatigue, hypokinesia and immobilization, and low temperatures.

Recommended set of “high altitude first aid kit” for 5000 meters and above:

acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, thrombo ACC) to thin the blood and improve oxygen transport. For daily use!!!
Vitamin C. It is better to take a soluble form of 500 or 1000 mg. For daily use.
Asparkam or Panangin. For daily use.
Riboxin. For daily use.
Potassium orotate. For daily use.
Diacarb. Recommended for use when spending the night at altitudes above 4000m.
Dexamethasone.
Ibuprofen or Solpadeine. Shots well headache at initial symptoms mountain sickness
Cerucal. Antiemetic.
Anti-cold medications, immunomodulators (Ocillococcinum, Anaferon) should be taken immediately in case of hypothermia, chills, runny nose or if any adenoviral infections.
Sputum thinners (for example, ACC, which should be taken for any form of cough, for early prevention of pulmonary edema).

Three golden rules for preventing altitude sickness:

1. Never climb with symptoms of altitude sickness.
2. If the symptoms of mountain sickness intensify, then you definitely need to descend.
3. If a climber feels unwell at altitude, then in the absence of obvious signs of other diseases, it is necessary to assume that he has acute mountain sickness and carry out appropriate treatment.

There are a number of rules for gaining altitude. If you follow these rules, climbing to a height is not very painful.
They are taken into account in my programs.

Very important information for beginners at altitude

Night at altitude:
When mountain sickness occurs, a person is most vulnerable at night. At night he relaxes, mobilization from the outside disappears nervous system, the tone that is maintained through volitional efforts disappears. At the same time, self-monitoring of the participant’s condition and monitoring of his condition by teammates ceases.
If positive feedback occurs ( vicious circle), for example, of this nature - the heart weakens because it lacks oxygen, it pumps blood weaker and weaker, and from this the oxygen deficiency increases even more. So, if such a vicious circle occurs, a person can degrade overnight to complete morning incapacity or death.

At the same time, a successful overnight stay at altitude allows you to adapt to this altitude to the greatest extent.
A very good indicator is heart rate. The evening pulse can be quite significant and exceed 100 beats per minute in mild forms of mountain sickness. But the morning heart rate should drop to 80-90 beats per minute. If the morning pulse exceeds 105 beats per minute, this means that the person has not mastered the altitude overnight and must be escorted down. Further ascent from the overnight stay upwards at such a morning pulse is very likely to lead to severe mountain sickness and the group will only waste time descending the victim from an even greater height.

In July 2014, we measured blood pressure and pulse in 5 people from our group.
The analysis of the results is not yet ready for publication.
But the fact that my heart rate was always in the range of 50-70 beats per minute is the best confirmation of the benefits of regular fasting.
It is also necessary to properly prepare for bed. Sleep must be sound.

First of all, you can't tolerate a headache. It is especially typical when the head hurts in the evening after completing the daily plan. This is explained by the fact that muscle work during physical activity stimulates intensive work of the lungs and heart. Since a person has two circles of blood circulation, blood is automatically pumped through the brain by the same contractions of the heart. And the brain does not experience oxygen starvation. And in the evening, with little physical activity, it develops oxygen starvation brain

So, it has been noticed that headaches destabilize the body. If you tolerate it, it will only intensify, and your overall health will continue to deteriorate. Therefore, if you have a headache, you need to take pills immediately. This is Citramon 500 or even 1000 mg. The soluble drug Solpadeine has an even stronger effect, which not only relieves headaches, but also alleviates general condition inflammation or, as it were, “restlessness” in the body. If you have elevated temperature, then it will also relieve this ailment.
It is in this normalized state that you should approach sleep. Naturally, you should not get drunk on coffee. Please ensure that the room is well ventilated so that you do not burn out oxygen at night, exacerbating oxygen starvation.

Now the next typical phenomenon. You can't sleep. This is very bad. Try to relax while listening to music. If you have already lost an hour of sleep, then you need to use the tablets immediately. You can use Diphenhydramine. It not only has the effect of a sleeping pill, but is antihistamine and relieves inflammation in the body. Sometimes you have to take two tablets.

The drugs Donormil or Sonat are affordable and almost safe. If you take them in the indicated doses, there will be no problems. Many of my friends have had positive experiences with these drugs on Everest, up to 8300. Wonderful sleep with easy awakening and a feeling of rest. During sound sleep, the brain consumes significantly less oxygen, restores the activity of centers and accumulates energy. These processes occur only exclusively in sleep. In short, sleep is the best prevention of cerebral edema. I will repeat once again, be sure to try each of these drugs before the mountains. Like any medicine, they can cause allergies, rare side effects and other possible troubles. Make sure they are harmless, adapt your body to each of them, select individual doses, include them in the training process and see the effect. This creative approach will pay off, believe me. This is a different level of life, if you want, this is another chance at life.

A typical mistake is to suffer from insomnia. Some people say that sleeping pills will make them groggy in the morning. As a result, they do not get enough sleep, and this makes them even more lethargic than from sleeping pills. But the worst thing is that they do not spend the night effectively in terms of long-term altitude adaptation (small gamma angle). A sleepless night is very dangerous for the development of altitude sickness.

If you have any questions, write.
Good luck to everyone
Alexey