Please do NOT take sleeping pills when you are at altitude.
Part of the problem with AMS is lack of oxygen, especially at night when your respiration slows down. Taking a sleeping pill will depress it even further.
The benefit of Diamox is that it helps your to expel the CO2 when you are sleeping.
I hadn't considered the issue until I was on Mt. Kilimajaro, and misspoke and told the guide that I was going to take an Ambien on the night before summitting when I meant to say Diamox. He got pretty upset until I realized I misspoke.
I've taken lots of first timers up. The main trick is to keep eating and drinking, even if you don't feel like it.
Have fun on the climb, and hope all goes well.
Ralph
