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L-Tryptophan does not influence acute ventilatory response at moderate altitude
1Department of Internal Medicine, Municipal Hospital of Neunkirchen, Austria. interne@khneunkirchen.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|September 29, 2000
Summary
L-tryptophan, an alternative to conventional hypnotics, does not negatively impact breathing at moderate altitudes. This study found no significant changes in blood gases after L-tryptophan supplementation, suggesting it is safe for mountaineers experiencing altitude insomnia.
Area of Science:
- Altitude physiology
- Pharmacology
- Sleep medicine
Background:
- Altitude-induced insomnia is common in mountaineering.
- Conventional hypnotics like benzodiazepines can impair ventilatory adaptation to hypoxia.
- There is a need for safer alternatives for managing sleep disturbances at altitude.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of L-tryptophan on ventilation at moderate altitude.
- To determine if L-tryptophan impairs ventilatory adaptation to hypoxia.
- To assess L-tryptophan as a potential alternative sedative for mountaineers.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
- Involved 8 healthy subjects at 171 m and 3,000 m altitude.
- Blood gas analysis (PaO2, PaCO2) before and after 500 mg L-tryptophan or placebo.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in PaO2 or PaCO2 were observed.
- L-tryptophan did not alter ventilation parameters at either altitude.
- Results were consistent across both low and moderate altitude conditions.
Conclusions:
- L-tryptophan does not impair ventilatory adaptation to mild hypoxia.
- This suggests L-tryptophan is a potentially safe option for altitude insomnia.
- Further research could explore its efficacy in improving sleep quality at altitude.