12 ways to sleep with an insulin pump
When I first got my insulin pump and got into bed, I asked myself, “If I have to wear this to sleep, where am I supposed to put it?” I quickly found there are many answers to that simple question. Like me, many people are initially unsure of how they will sleep with an insulin pump, but this challenge is not as difficult to overcome as it may first appear. We asked the diabetes online community to tell us what they do and here are the top 12 ways to sleep with an insulin pump.
1. The PJ Clip
“Clipped to my pajama waist band. I specifically seek out thicker bands so the clip doesn't make holes through the material over time.” - Kristin Mudd
2. The Undies
“I just clip my pump onto my undergarment and tuck the tubing inside the undergarment. This allows me to buy whatever type of sleep wear that I enjoy. My pump is safe and secure and out of the way. After all we all want a goodnight's sleep.” - Kitty Castellini
3. The Body Pillow
“I sleep with a body pillow on my side and I put my pump under the pillow. I switch sides a couple times through the night, but have somehow learned to move my pillow and pump with me in my sleep.” - Whitney Mielke
4. The Blanky Buddy
“In a pouch made from the same material as my sons favorite blankey! Made by his grandma for him!” - Christina Byerly
5. The Classic Pocket-T
“I have a t-shirt with a left breast pocket that I turn inside out and put my pump in that pocket during the night.” - Lee Bring
6. The Bra Clip
“Clipped to the strap on the middle of my bra. Pretty much wear it that way all day.” - Michelle Wilson
7. The Skilled Sewer
“I had pockets sewn into my night gowns. I put it in the pocket secure the pocket with a safety pen. Works really well!” - Pamela Swearingen Primrose
8. The Workout Shorts
“Workout shorts with a key pocket. Pump fits perfectly there. In the winter, workout leggings with a key pocket. Those with a t-shirt have become my favorite PJ’s with the pump.” - Meri Winchester
9. The Back Sleeper
“When I was playing with the Tampa Rays baseball team in 1998 I had a stress fracture in my back and I was told to always sleep on my back and so it grew to become natural to me to always sleep on my back so I put my insulin pump on the side of my pants when I sleep and it never gets in the way.” – Jason Johnson
10. The V-Neck Nighty
“I always buy nightgowns with button down or V-neck collars so I can clip my pump to the front of my nightgown. I use the pump clip not the holster so it weighs less. It's also close enough to hear any alarms or adjust a temp basal rate if needed in the middle of the night.” - Peggy Sue Small
11. The Velcro Strap
“I slide it into a pocket attached to a Velcro strap I purchased from Medtronic. It straps around my chest and the pump is safely tucked away, but due to the clear window, I can see my numbers if I need to see them.” - Andy Inskeep
12. The Monkey
“I made a little pouch on a soft-cloth belt with a flap over the pouch in the shape of a monkey for my son, so he would answer this question by saying, "Monkey holds it." If not Monkey, then Froggy, or Zeebie [zebra], or Stripey [striped, but no animal]. He's asked for a lion next...” - Elizabeth Platt Hamblin
Not every one of these will work for you. And not everyone has someone to make them a monkey (though wouldn’t it be great if we did). But hopefully something here will help you get some much-needed zzz’s.
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Thanks for sharing your tips with us, William. I’m glad you found a way to sleep with your insulin pump that works well for you.
I place it in a sock and put it under my pillow:)
I sleep sans clothing too and tried sleeping in sports bra to tuck it in but felt constricted. I took a length of soft velvet ribbon and made a long (reaches about cleavage level) necklace with it and clip my pump to it. It keeps it out of my way but near me. (Sometimes I DO sleep in a light cami or such but found clipping it to the neck pulled it down too far so I still use my ribbon necklace to take the weight off but clipping it to the cami at the same time keeps it in one spot while I sleep)
Now, after having it for a year, I got a stuffed animal who is my sleep buddy and he holds it for me!
I wear one of the sport pouches around my waist. This has worked fine for 10 years now. But... with the pump under blankets and 2 feet away from my ears I rarely hear it. My partner hears it much more readily than I both because she sleeps less deeply but also because the direction of sound is better for someone beside you than for your own ears.
I really would like to find something that can hold my pump up near my ears (I'm a man so I rather not buy a bra if there is a better option). There used to be a sport holder that was adjustable soft straps like the sport pouch but went around waist and then over the shoulders criss-crossing on your back or front. I never bought one and it's no longer available from Medtronic but I think something like that would work better for me.
Any solutions from men who have a hard time hearing alarms at night?
Glen, thanks for reaching out. You are correct, we no longer have the back pouch available for purchase. However, this leg pouch could be cut to fit the arm: http://my.medtronicdiabetes.com/belts-pouches/leg-pouch/leg-pouch-black or this shirt which is on clearance has a pocket on the arm on both sleeves: https://medtronicdiabetes.secure.force.com/store/clearance/sports-coolm…. I hope that helps!
Been Type 1 diabetic for 21 years and just now getting a pump. First night with pump was last night and it was hands down the best nights sleep I have had in years! So very happy kept pump clipped on my bra no problems!
Great to hear Maury! We're always here if you need anything.
Being told I need a pump. After reading above I have doubts I can sleep with it. I toss & turn A LOT all night, mash up or throw my pillow & I am au'naturale. Add to that is I am deaf so would not hear any alarm anyway . Is there a way I could sleep like this? Or maybe I should just disconnect during the night.
Jay, we have customers who are “active” sleepers or sleep with a few less clothes on! Please know that pump therapy is not indicated for those whose hearing does not allow recognition of pump and CGM signals or alarms, but this and disconnecting for the night is a conversation to have with your healthcare team. If you would like to explore your options, email us dhelp@medtronic.com and I can connect you with a teammate.
I clip it to my underwear with the face of it against my stomach. I've had one for 20+ years and now I can lay on it and it doesn't bother me.
I just pin a piece of elastic band where ever and clip it to that for the night. No cares on what I am wearing.
I roll mine in the top of my bottoms in the center. I am a side sleeper and this works. I hate anything pockets or it getting tangled. I keep it in my bra durning the day.
Simple fix for everyday carry... cut a very small hole in both pants pockets (at the top part) then place pump in the pocket and run the cord of the quick set thru the hole and connect the pump back to the set! Cord is out of view and is protected from “snagging” anything~ excellent results!
For sleep.. I clip it on a pocket tee-shirt! Works great!! Seldom an issue..
Type 1 Diabetic 48 years! Doing well~
I buy double layered sports bras and cut a slit in the outer layer higher up on the left and right sides by the straps. I put my pump in there and it stays with me all night.
I’ve always just laid my insulin pump next to me at night.
I new this pump and I try to do myself l can't do it I watch videos how to do it on you tube and now I trying to do .I will do it all my self .
I Like it
I love the insulin pump,it works well for me
I live my new pump. It works good
“With your eyes closed” should be # 13
I cut the top of tube socks to make a band for my arm and that's what I use at night to sleep... I turn the pump where the window is against my arm and I clip it to the band Works great for me... Cause I don't like night clothes. lol
I just clip to clothing. No problems yet.
I’m new so all the info from other patients have helped alot
I use the attach to bra method. Hasn't failed me yet!
I just slip mine in my pocket and off to sleep i go.
I just lay mine next to me.
I like my pump.. less poking
I use a money pouch that you use when traveling to keep money on your chest . I put pump in the sleeve and the I put a tee shirt on and I don’t have to worry about the pump. During the day I wear on my sleeve near my shoulder with a iPhone clear case and run tubing through my sleeve and shoulder. Cheap inexpensive and holds secure with Velcro
I sleep with mine clipped to my pants
" Finding a balance between managing diabetes and getting quality sleep can be a challenge. These 12 tips for optimizing sleep with an insulin pump are a game changer! As someone who understands the importance of both restful sleep and diabetes care, I'm excited to give these strategies a try. Remember, small adjustments can lead to big improvements in overall well-being. Sweet dreams and stable blood sugar levels to all my fellow warriors! #DiabetesLife #SleepWell #HealthAndHappiness"
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