Herbie Murray
Sleeping with an ostomy bag can be a concern for ostomates, especially if the surgery was recent. However, there are ways to help reduce anxiety and ensure a good night's sleep. Firstly, it is recommended to sleep on your back or side, with a pillow for support if needed. Sleeping on the stomach is not advised as it increases the chances of leaks as the bag fills. It is also important to always change or empty the bag before sleeping and to avoid eating large meals before bed to reduce output overnight. For urostomies, a night drainage bag can be used to avoid getting up to empty the pouch.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping positions to avoid leaks and discomfort
Sleeping with an ostomy bag can be a concern for ostomates, especially if the surgery was recent and the patient is still adjusting. However, there are measures that can be taken to prevent mishaps and ensure a good night's sleep.
The best position to sleep in with an ostomy bag is on your back, or on your side. Sleeping on the stomach is fine initially but increases the chances of leaks as the bag fills. To avoid this, you can bend the leg on the side of the stoma, creating space under the abdomen for the bag to fill. Sleeping on the side with the stoma means the mattress will support the bag, while sleeping on the other side means you can hold a pillow against your abdomen or place the pouch on a pillow to support its weight. A pillow can also be placed between the legs or under the back for comfort.
It is recommended to go to bed with an empty bag to reduce anxiety about leaks and improve sleep quality. You can also set an alarm to remind yourself to empty the bag in the middle of the night.
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How to prepare for leaks
Leaks are a common occurrence with an ostomy bag, especially in the early days after surgery. Here are some ways to prepare for leaks and reduce the chances of them happening:
Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your back or side is recommended to reduce the chances of leaks. Sleeping on your stomach is fine initially, but as the bag fills up, it increases the chances of leaks. If you sleep on your side, the mattress will support the bag, and if you sleep on your back, you can use a pillow for support. If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, try to roll onto your side or back before falling asleep.
Empty the Bag Regularly
It is important to empty your bag regularly, especially before going to bed. Going to bed with an empty bag reduces anxiety about leaks and improves sleep quality. Try to empty the bag when it is about one-third full, as a full bag is more likely to leak. If your bag fills up with air, go to the bathroom and 'burp' the bag to let out the excess air.
Keep a Change of Supplies Handy
Keep a change of pyjamas, ostomy supplies, and bed sheets handy in case of leaks. You can also sleep on top of an incontinence sheet, puppy pad, or dark towel to protect your mattress. A waterproof mattress cover is also recommended.
Clean and Prepare the Skin
Ensure that your skin is completely dry and free of creams before attaching the bag. Clean the skin around the stoma gently to remove old adhesive residue and dead skin. This will help the adhesive stick better and reduce the chances of leaks.
Choose the Right Bag and Fit
Use a measuring guide to measure the size of your stoma and cut your pouch accordingly. A hole that is too big can expose your skin to output, while a hole that is too small will prevent the pouch from adhering properly. If you have gained or lost weight, or if your body shape has changed, you may need to try alternative pouches.
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Managing your diet to reduce leaks
Managing your diet is one of the key ways to reduce leaks when sleeping with an ostomy bag. Here are some tips to help you reduce leaks by managing your diet:
Firstly, it is important to understand that liquid output can cause leaks. If you have liquid output, you may experience leaks more frequently. Therefore, it is advisable to eat foods that thicken output and slow it down. For example, marshmallows, jelly beans, or ripe bananas can help to thicken output. In addition, Diamonds™ Gelling and Odour Control Sachets are an easy-to-use product that turns liquid output into a manageable gel, reducing the risk of leaks.
Secondly, dietary changes can cause an increase in bag leaks. If you have recently changed your diet and noticed more leaks, you should review your diet to identify any foods causing a watery output. If you suspect a bug, consult your doctor.
Thirdly, certain foods can cause excess gas, bloating, or diarrhoea, which may contribute to leaks. Beer, fizzy drinks, and spicy foods can cause gas and bloating, so consume these in moderation. It is also a good idea to avoid foods that cause diarrhoea, especially in the evening meal.
Finally, maintaining a balanced diet with a range of foods from all food groups is essential for keeping your stoma healthy. Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially for those with a stoma. If you are unsure about making diet changes, consult an ostomy nurse or seek advice from an ostomy clinic.
By following these dietary tips, you can help reduce leaks when sleeping with an ostomy bag.
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Using a night drainage bag
Sleeping with an ostomy bag can be a concern, especially if your surgery was recent and you're still adjusting. However, there are measures you can take to ensure a good night's sleep.
If you have a urostomy, you can use a night drainage bag, which is simply a larger bag that can collect up to 1-2 litres of urine. This bag is attached to the drainage end/tap of your body-worn stoma pouch before you go to bed, eliminating concerns about fluid intake before bed and the need to get up to empty your pouch during the night.
If you have a high-output ileostomy, you may benefit from a high-output pouch, which is larger than a regular pouch and has more capacity for holding output. This may allow you to sleep through the night without interruption.
To reduce anxiety about leakages, it is recommended to go to bed with either a fresh or empty stoma bag, depending on the type you use. Making changing your bag part of your nighttime routine will help it become second nature. It is also important to ensure that your bag is properly secured and fitted before you go to bed to prevent leaks.
Additionally, you can use pillows or foam wedges to limit your movement and stay in one position at night. A snug shirt or ostomy wrap can also help keep your pouch snug against your body and support its weight.
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Emptying your bag at night
Emptying your ostomy bag at night is an important step in your nighttime routine. It can help reduce anxiety about leaks and improve your quality of sleep. Here are some tips to help you with the process:
Empty or Change Your Bag Before Bedtime
Always empty or change your ostomy bag before going to sleep. This will reduce the risk of leaks and overflow during the night. Make it a part of your nightly routine, so it becomes second nature.
Manage Your Eating Habits
Be mindful of your eating habits and how different foods affect your stoma. Avoid large meals before bed, as they can increase output overnight and disrupt your sleep. Experiment with different meal timings and portion sizes to find what works best for you. Also, stay away from foods that cause diarrhoea, especially in your evening meals.
Use a Night Drainage Bag
If you have a urostomy, consider using a night drainage bag. This larger bag can be attached to your ostomy pouch before bed and can collect up to 1-2 litres of urine while you sleep, saving you from having to get up multiple times during the night to empty your pouch.
Set an Alarm
In the early days after your surgery, consider setting an alarm or two during the night to remind you to get up and empty your bag. This can help prevent leaks and give you peace of mind.
Prepare for Leaks
Accept that leaks might happen and be prepared. Keep a change of pyjamas, stoma supplies, and spare bed sheets on hand. You can also sleep on top of an incontinence sheet, puppy pad, or dark towel to catch any leaks and protect your mattress.
Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position
Experiment with different sleeping positions to find what works best for you. Sleeping on your back or side is generally recommended. If you sleep on the same side as your stoma, the mattress will support the bag as it fills. If you sleep on the opposite side, hold a pillow against your abdomen or place your pouch on a pillow next to you to support its weight.
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Frequently asked questions
The best sleeping position is on your back or your side. If you sleep on your back, your neck and spine alignment will improve. Sleeping on your side is also fine, and you can use a pillow to support the weight of your bag. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended as it increases the chances of leaks.
Always change or empty your bag before going to sleep to reduce the risk of leaks. Check that your bag is secure and ensure the hole for your stoma fits snugly around it. Avoid using creams that could interfere with adhesion.
Set an alarm to remind yourself to empty your bag. If you have a urostomy, you can use a night drainage bag or system, which can collect up to 1-2 litres of urine.
Keep a change of clothes, ostomy supplies, and spare bedsheets nearby. You can also sleep on top of an incontinence sheet, puppy pad, or dark towel to prevent leaks from getting onto your clothes or sheets.
Avoid foods that cause diarrhoea, especially in the evening. Eating a large meal before bed can increase your output overnight and disrupt your sleep. Speak to your healthcare professional for advice on diet and liquid intake.
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