Learning how to sleep again after ostomy surgery may sound odd. After all, we’ve been sleeping since the day we were born. But when you have a stoma, your old sleep positions may need a little adjustment.
Here are some tips:
- Put pillows around you to prevent you from rolling over on your pouch.
- Wear a shirt to bed that's a couple of sizes too small; it will help keep your pouch snug against your body while you sleep.
- Try sleeping on your back. It may take a little getting used to, but after a while it can become second nature.
- Be conscious of your pouch’s condition. Be ready to empty or change your pouch at night, if necessary.
I have a night drainage system so I don't have to get up every hour to drain my bag. If I don't sleep with my night drainage on, I just get up, drain it and go back to sleep. It's second nature.
Jearlean
Living with 2 ostomies since she was 2 years old
I've always slept on my side, having an ostomy hasn't changed that. If i have a leak when I'm asleep, I'll wake up because my skin will itch. I feel it and think, 'oh my pouch is full'. The same way someone wakes up and says 'I have to go to the bathroom.'
Stephanie
Living with an ostomy since 2010
I sleep better now because I don't have to deal with the illness I had. Over time, your body gets used to things, and so I just wake up at night when it's full now.
Ted
Living with an ostomy since 2012
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