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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