What is one common side effect of altitude exposure on personnel?

Sleep disturbances are a common side effect of altitude exposure on personnel due to the reduced oxygen levels and changes in atmospheric pressure that occur at high elevations. As the body adjusts to the lower oxygen availability, individuals may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns. This can manifest as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or reduced overall sleep quality.

The physiological stress of acclimatization, combined with potential issues such as sleep apnea or irregular breathing patterns while asleep, contributes to these disturbances. Individuals may also experience variations in the sleep cycle, leading to less restorative sleep and increased fatigue during the day.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect typical responses to altitude exposure. Increased appetite is not commonly associated with high altitudes; in many cases, people may experience a decrease in appetite. Heightened aggression is not a widely recognized effect of altitude; instead, cognitive distress might occur due to altitude sickness. Improved cognitive functions are generally not reported; in fact, cognitive performance can be negatively affected at high altitudes because of factors like hypoxia. This underscores why sleep disturbances are the most relevant and prevalent side effect related to altitude exposure among personnel.