Are you a new ostomate and anxious about how you will manage to get a full night’s rest? The thought of experiencing leaks and having to get up in the middle of the night to empty your ostomy pouch may seem daunting. We’ve got a few tips and ostomy supplies you can use to help prepare for a more comfortable and uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Be mindful of what you eat and drink
It can be helpful to pay close attention to the foods and beverages that affect your stoma output. Our bodies need to process foods, so eating your last meal of the day earlier may allow your food to digest before bedtime. Avoiding foods and beverages that may cause issues with your stoma, like diarrhea, is a good idea.
Some of the foods and liquids to avoid that commonly loosen and increase stool output include:
- Spices
- Raw vegetables
- Fresh fruits
- Prune juice
- Apples
- Milk
- Green leaves
- Bran cereals
- Alcoholic beverages
Empty or change your ostomy pouch before bed
Depending on the type of ostomy pouch you are using, it is a good idea to either empty it or change it out to a fresh ostomy pouch. By emptying or changing your ostomy pouch, you can help reduce any anxiety you may have about experiencing leaks or overflow throughout the night.
Try using additional ostomy supplies and accessories
You can try using other ostomy supplies and accessories to help ease any anxiety and help you sleep comfortably.
Ostomy support belts
Ostomy belts and bands are ostomy supplies that fit snugly and work to hold your ostomy pouching system in place as you move around throughout the night. These ostomy supplies can add a sense of security by pulling the ostomy pouching system toward the skin, increasing tension on the skin barrier, and helping to prevent leakage.
Night drainage bag
There are ostomy supplies specific for those with high stoma output that may help lessen the need to wake up in the night and empty your ostomy pouch. Those with an ileostomy tend to have more liquid and frequent output than those with a colostomy. The Assura Two-Piece Ileo Night Drainage Ostomy Pouch by Coloplast provides large-volume drainage so you can get a restful night’s sleep. It can hold up to 2-Liters of output, allowing for longer wear-time.
Support pillows
You can try placing extra pillows in strategic spots to help support your body and provide added comfort. Body pillows such as the Hermell Products Body Pillow fits the contours of the body and can relieve any pressure on the stoma site, helping to improve overall sleep quality.
Make sure your ostomy pouching system is secure
Before heading to bed after changing your ostomy pouching system, ensure it is properly secure. Leaks often occur because the ostomy pouching system or additional ostomy supplies and accessories are not properly put on. By double-checking that you have a secure and snug fit of your ostomy supplies, you will lessen the chances of waking up to a leak in the night.
We hope these tips and suggested ostomy supplies can help you get a good night’s rest with your stoma. Every stoma is different, and you may need to try a few options before finding out what ostomy supplies or accessories work best for you. If you need assistance finding ostomy supplies we carry at Personally Delivered, our helpful Product Experts are just a phone call away. We care about helping you find the right ostomy supplies so you can get a good night’s sleep.
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