6 Tips for How to Sleep With a Kidney Stent

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A kidney stone can be pretty painful, especially when it blocks the flow of urine. In such cases, a urologist may place a kidney stent. This thin, flexible tube allows urine to drain from the kidney to your bladder. A kidney stent, also called a ureteral stent, is designed to relieve urine blockage. But it can bring its own set of issues.

About 4 out of 5 people experience discomfort after getting a kidney stent. Bladder pain, frequent urination, and other symptoms can make it hard to sleep well. But with a few simple strategies, better sleep with a kidney stent is possible.

How to get better sleep with a kidney stent

If a kidney stent has been keeping you up at night, these six expert tips may help you sleep better and wake up feeling rested.

1. Find the right sleeping position

There isn't a specific sleep position proven to ease discomfort from a kidney stent, David Shusterman, MD, a board-certified urologist based in New York, told GoodRx Health.

The discomfort caused by a kidney stent varies from person to person. But that doesn't mean you can't find a sleeping position that works well for you. "Many people find sleeping on the side opposite the stent more comfortable as it reduces pressure," explained Raj Dasgupta, MD, a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and sleep medicine.

Still, there's no scientific evidence that this sleep position provides relief. So you might need to try various sleeping positions to find one that's comfortable.

2. Avoid fluids before bed

After a ureteral stent placement, your urologist will likely advise you to drink more water than usual for the first 24 hours. This helps flush out your urinary system and prevents blood clots from forming around the stent. But the more you drink, the more you'll need to go to the bathroom. The kidney stent itself may also cause you to pee more often due to bladder spasms.

Consider timing your fluid intake to avoid multiple bathroom trips at bedtime. A study found that eating or drinking less than an hour before sleeping can cause you to wake up several times a night to pee. According to the same researchers, the earlier you eat or drink before bed, the better you sleep.

You can time your fluid intake by drinking more water during the day. But as you get closer to bedtime, start cutting back on fluids. Ideally, you should have your last fluids 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, Dr. Shusterman said. This simple change can help you stay hydrated without disturbing your sleep.

3. Avoid strenuous activity before bed

Regular exercise promotes better sleep. It's been shown to reduce stress, help you fall asleep faster, and increase deep sleep. But high-intensity exercise before bed could make it harder to fall or stay asleep. That's true whether you have a kidney stent or not.

To minimize sleep disruption, avoid strenuous activities and intense exercise in the hours leading up to sleep, said Dr. Dasgupta. Examples of high-intensity activities include:

• Running

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

• Rope jumping

• Cycling 10 miles per hour or faster

If you do strenuous exercise, leave a gap of at least a 1 to 2 hours between your workout and bedtime.

Dr. Dasgupta added that some parts of your fitness routine may be unsafe with a kidney stent. Certain activities -- such as heavy lifting and sudden or high-impact movements -- could strain the stent or your urinary system. If you plan to work out, talk to your urologist about which exercises to avoid.

4. Try alpha-blockers

Kidney stent pain is often due to bladder irritation and painful cramps called bladder spasms. These uncomfortable sensations can affect your sleep.

Prescription medications can help manage these symptoms. Ask your urologist if alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or alfuzosin (Uroxatral), are right for you. Alpha-blockers work by relaxing the muscles in the ureters. Ureters are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder, said Dr. Dasgupta. When ureter muscles are relaxed, you may have less painful spasms and cramping.

Alpha-blockers may also help with other symptoms that can affect sleep quality. These include urinary urgency (feeling a strong, sudden need to urinate) or frequency, explained Dr. Shusterman.

Still, the effect of alpha-blockers on sleep can vary from person to person. Some people may find that these medications help improve their sleep quality. And others may experience less noticeable effects. Your urologist can help you weigh the benefits and risks of these medications and determine the best course of treatment.

5. Take a short course of OTC pain relievers

In some cases, an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever can help with ureteral stent discomfort. But it's important to choose the right OTC medication.

"Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually a safer choice for people with kidney stents," Dr. Shusterman said. Acetaminophen helps reduce mild pain. And most people don't have any problem tolerating it. As with any medication, follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid complications.

But be careful with OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), especially if you have kidney disease, said Dr. Dasgupta. NSAIDs can sometimes cause kidney problems or worsen existing kidney issues.

Talk to a healthcare professional before taking any OTC pain relievers. Some OTC medications can increase your risk of bleeding after having a kidney stent placed.

6. Eat more fiber

You might wonder how eating more fiber can help you sleep better with a kidney stent. It all comes down to preventing constipation. Constipation can increase discomfort from a kidney stent, Dr. Dasgupta said. This is especially true if you take opioid pain medications, which can lead to constipation. Straining during bowel movements can also cause bleeding, which you want to avoid when you have a kidney stent.

Fiber softens your stool, making it easier to move through your colon and helping you have regular bowel movements. It can also help improve your digestion and promote a healthy gut. And it may help you maintain a comfortable weight.

Dr. Shusterman noted that fiber can also help manage conditions - like diabetes and high blood pressure - that can affect sleep.

To boost your fiber intake, focus on eating more fruits and vegetables. Good sources of fiber include:

• Avocados

• Raspberries

• Guava

• Broccoli

• Beans

• Pumpkin

When to talk to a healthcare professional

If you have a kidney stent, listen to your body and know when to call your healthcare professional. Some discomfort is typical. But certain symptoms may mean there's a more serious problem that needs medical help.

Call your healthcare professional if you:

• Have difficulty urinating: This could mean your stent is blocked or not working properly.

• Feel severe pain: Some discomfort is expected when you have a kidney stent. But new pain or pain that's intense or unbearable could be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed by your urologist.

• Have signs of infection: These include a fever (an oral temperature of 100.4°F or higher), chills, swelling, or redness.

• See blood in your urine: This could be a sign of a problem with your kidney stent.

Frequently asked questions

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