Sleeping comfortably with a stoma

Sleep is an important topic to consider following stoma surgery. Many considerations are important, what type of night clothing is best for you, which pillow position supports your body and helps protect your stoma.

Sleeping positions

Having a stoma should not affect the position you like to sleep in. Many people with ostomies find it more comfortable sleeping on their back and sides rather than their stomachs. If you prefer to sleep on your stomach and your stoma allows this, be careful for leaks.

Night bags

For people with an ileostomy or a colostomy, you can choose whatever pouch you prefer when you go to sleep. Some people find it useful to wear highwaisted pyjama bottoms as this can help prevent the bag from folding in half during the night. However, you don't have to wear clothes to bed as some people find they can sleep naked with only their pouch and experience no problems at all.

People with urostomies can use night drainage bags. These eliminate the need to get up in the middle of the night and drain the bag. When cleaning reusable drainage bags, it's important to rinse them in the morning and let them dry throughout the day inside the house with the bottom clasp open. Disposable drainage night time bags are available too.

Eating late

Everyone's level of output differs from person to person. If you have an ileostomy or colostomy there is no one rule to what time you should stop eating during the evening. For some people, they cannot eat after a certain time, whereas, for others, they can eat at any time and will not experience any issues during the night.

For people with a urostomy, the time of night you eat will not affect your output. However, the amount you drink will!