This topic is about the importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to emptying your ostomy bag at night. It highlights the experiences and advice from fellow ostomates on how to manage this aspect of life with an ostomy.

- Many people find that they naturally wake up when their pouch becomes full. It's like developing a "second sense" that alerts you to the pressure from gas or output in the bag.

- Ignoring the urge to empty your pouch during the night can often lead to messy accidents. New ostomates quickly learn the importance of responding to these signals right away.

- Some people find that they wake up for other reasons, such as needing to use the bathroom, which provides a convenient opportunity to check and empty their pouch at the same time.

- A few ostomates set alarms at specific times, like midnight and 5 a.m., to ensure they empty their pouch before it overfills. Most people can go back to sleep after the first alarm, though the second one might coincide with waking up for the day.

- It's common to wake up and find the bag "ballooned" against the belly. Acting quickly in these situations can prevent leaks, as hoping for the best is not a reliable strategy.

- The overall advice is to never ignore the signals from your body or pouch at night. Promptly emptying your pouch is the safest routine to follow.