How is in-center nocturnal dialysis different?
In-center nocturnal dialysis is performed overnight while the patient sleeps. The hemodialysis treatment time for nocturnal dialysis is usually six to eight hours as opposed to the typical four-hour sessions that people do for traditional daytime dialysis. Because the hemodialysis treatment time is extended over more time, the dialysis machine settings are more relaxed providing a slower, gentler treatment. Fluid is being pulled out of the body at a slower pace, so patients are less likely to experience cramping during treatment. Blood is cleaned for a longer period of time so more toxins are being removed throughout the night. With traditional daytime hemodialysis, a patient generally receives about 12 hours of hemodialysis a week, while the typical in-center nocturnal dialysis patient will have about 24 hours of treatment. There are also many similarities between in-center nocturnal dialysis and traditional daytime hemodialysis. Patients will still go to a dialysis center to be treat
