This topic is about finding ways to enjoy a good night's sleep when living with an ileostomy, especially if you often wake up to empty your pouch. Here are some helpful strategies and tips that might make your nights more restful:

1. Consider using larger or high-output pouches:
- A two-piece system allows you to switch to a high-output pouch at night.
- Hollister offers a "New Image High Output Drainable Pouch" with a spigot outlet that can connect to a bedside collection bag. They provide samples and accessories upon request.
- ConvaTec and Coloplast also offer high-output pouches that can be connected to overnight collection bags.

2. Set up a bedside collection system:
- Connect your pouch to urostomy-style overnight bags or large drainage bags. If the tubing clogs, replace it with wider tubing from a hardware store.
- These collection bags can hang from your bed or sit on the floor, providing extra capacity.

3. Manage high-liquid output:
- Use gelling sachets like Ilesorb or Par-Sorb to turn liquid output into gel, reducing leaks.
- Eating marshmallows or rice before bed can help slow down output.

4. Adjust your meal timing:
- Finish dinner by 7 p.m. or earlier, and keep it light. Avoid high-fiber foods late at night.
- Some people find they only need to empty once at 4 a.m. with earlier, lighter meals.

5. Consider medications:
- Taking Imodium, Lomotil, or small doses of opioid-based meds (under medical supervision) at bedtime can reduce output and help you sleep longer.

6. Prevent leaks and improve adhesion:
- Use Eakin Cohesive Seals under the wafer for better skin protection and sealing.
- Warm wafers or barrier rings with a hair-dryer before applying for improved adhesion.
- For Coloplast pouches, use the enclosed "swim/shower" sticker over the filter hole for extra security at night.

7. Explore accessory products:
- Coloplast "Mini Caps" are useful for showering, swimming, or intimacy.
- Convex wafers can help seal around stomas that are sunken or not well-protruding.

8. Practical lifestyle tips:
- Use a dim night-light in the bathroom to avoid fully waking up when emptying your pouch.
- If you wake up, empty your pouch promptly to fall back asleep faster.
- Keeping stress levels low can help minimize gas surges.

9. Insurance and samples:
- Companies like Hollister, ConvaTec, and Coloplast often provide free samples of high-output pouches and accessories. Most U.S. insurers cover these products, so check with the manufacturer’s product specialist if needed.