Is it hard to adjust to Denver's elevation?

Question

If you've lived in a city which is at sea level?
(I'm from New York but I'm thinking about attending a college in Denver)

Answer 1

It effects people in diferent ways. yes it will effect you headaches are common. some people even got nausea. usually you can adjust within a couple of weeks.

Answer 2

I live at sea level and visited Denver without asking this question. I was very sick. It only takes 3 days to get used to the altitude. Drink a lot of water before you go and after you get there. Don't drink alcohol for a while when you get there. Stay in Denver and don't go to a higher altitude until you get used to Denver. And, by the way, contact lenses don't work well in Denver because it is so dry. Plan on wearing glasses.

Answer 3

When I moved here, I felt like I had a slight case of the flu for a couple of days. You need to make sure you drink plenty of water, and don't overexert yourself too soon. Also, don't drink too much alcohol. But after the first few days you will be fine.
If you do move here, the bggest changes you will find is that it is so dry, even in the winter. You will have to use more lotion and moisturizers, and lip balm. You might also want to get a humidifier. The dryness is nice because it doesn't seem as cold in the winter or as hot in the summer, and your hair stays the way you want it!

Answer 4

Some people have different reactions, and you can read about altitude sickness to learn more. But for the most part everything clears up in a couple days. They also state that most people fully adjust after about 4 to 6 weeks (if you are moving).

Try and drink alot of water, and be ware of partying too much right away.

Answer 5

90% of people are fine and do not suffer any signs of altitude sickness. My 75 year old grandma has no problem when she visits once a year from a much lower city. most likely, the only time you will notice the elevation is if you exercise or for example, run up a flight of stairs. it will seem harder to breathe for a week or two. drink water and dont go up into high country until you have aclimated (sp?). if you are in good shape, it will seem even less noticable.

Answer 6

It can be if your not used to it. You may get light-headed accompanied with some dizzines and slight head-aches. These are natural. They will go away in 1 to 2 weeks. May take a month or 6 weeks to fully adjust. Denver is nice.

Answer 7

If you're young, healthy, and reasonably fit, you shouldn't have too much trouble. You're going to be short on breath for a few days and could even be a bit dizzy for a few days. Take it easy. If you start having headaches and nausea within 24 hours, you have altitude sickness. You're going to need some additional oxygen. That doesn't mean you won't adjust, it just means you're going to need a little bit more help.

Chances are you'll be fine. Enjoy your stay, and bring lots and lots of warm layers. You'll need them!

Answer 8

I moved out here from Los Angeles and I didn't really notice a difference with the change in elevation. However, my skin got really dry! Just got to use a lot of lotion. My siblings (also from LA) were more tired and sleepy than normal for about a week. Personally, the dryness effected me more.

Answer 9

It's a problem for tourists who come here, immediately go to 8-9000 feet in the mountains and start vigorous physical activity. Often without drinking enough water.

If you're moving to Denver, and take it easy for a while, it should be no problem.

Lots more info at:

http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/safety/altitude.html

Answer 10

Depends where you are coming from, for some people it's a few days, others a week... you can feel nausious out of breath dizzy have a headache but there are things like vitamins you can get to help.