This topic is about someone who recently had an ileostomy and is finding it challenging to get a good night's sleep because they need to empty their pouch several times during the night. They are looking for advice on how to manage this situation better and get more restful sleep.

Here are some helpful insights and tips:

1. It's quite normal to experience frequent output just 12 days after surgery. The output usually slows down after a few weeks as your body adjusts. Give it at least six weeks to settle.

2. Try to limit food and drink intake a few hours before bedtime. Having your main meal earlier in the day, like at lunchtime, can help reduce nighttime output.

3. Pay attention to what is filling your pouch:
- If it's mostly air, try reducing gas-producing foods like cabbage.
- If it's mostly liquid, you might consider anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium or Lomotil, but make sure to stay hydrated with enough salt and fluids.
- If the output is very thick, drink more fluids to prevent dehydration and pancaking.

4. Staying hydrated is important, as dehydration can affect your sleep. Some people keep a bottle of Gatorade by their bed for quick electrolyte replacement.

5. Consider using a larger-capacity pouch at night to extend the time between emptying.

6. Track when your stoma is most active and when it's quieter. This can help you plan your sleep and emptying schedule more effectively.

7. Sleeping on your right side might help minimize overnight leaks.

8. If you're struggling with sleep deprivation, a short-term sleep aid like a single Tylenol PM tablet might be helpful while you're healing.

9. For vegetarians, foods like salted pretzels, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, avocado, bananas, peanut-butter sandwiches, couscous, and pasta can help provide slower, thicker output and keep you feeling full.

10. Some foods, like chocolate, can significantly increase output for some people. Try to identify and limit any personal triggers.

11. Remember, it's common for new ileostomy patients to need to empty their pouch more often at night initially. With time and dietary adjustments, your routine should improve.