Sleeping with an Ostomy: Tips and Experiences
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.
Put pillows around you to prevent you from rolling over on your pouch.
Wear a tight fitting top
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.
Pillow Talk: Secrets for a Good Night's Sleep
As these people living with an ostomy will tell you, sleeping gets easier with time.
Pillow Talk: Secrets for a Good Night's Sleep
Jearlean
Living with two ostomies since she was two years old
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“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 and I’ll feel it and think, ‘oh, my pouch is full,’ the same way someone wakes up and says, ‘I have to go to the bathroom.’”
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“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 and I’ll feel it and think, ‘oh, my pouch is full,’ the same way someone wakes up and says, ‘I have to go to the bathroom.’”
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