Getting Started on a Nocturnal Program
In-center nocturnal dialysis turns nonproductive sleep time into hemodialysis treatment time. Patients receive hemodialysis in their dialysis center overnight for 6 to 8 hours while they sleep.
When you start in-center nocturnal dialysis at DaVita® three nights a week, you’ll be surrounded by a highly trained clinical team that’s dedicated to delivering superior care and making your experience as comfortable as possible. Because nighttime dialysis is slower and gentler on the body, studies have shown significant benefits, which generally include improved well-being, improved sleep patterns, increased quality of life, increased appetite, a more liberal diet and fewer problems during treatment.
Deciding that in-center nocturnal dialysis is right for you
When you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), you and your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will discuss which treatment options best fit your lifestyle. One of those choices is in-center nocturnal dialysis. You may prefer this type of treatment because:
- You enjoy having your days free while you dialyze at night
- Dialysis is only three nights a week, giving you four dialysis-free nights
- Treatment is administered by trained dialysis care team members
- You prefer the welcoming environment provided at the center
- Nocturnal dialysis doesn’t require a care partner like home dialysis does
Those benefits, as well as personalized care for your unique health and lifestyle needs, are what you’ll find when you begin in-center nocturnal dialysis treatments with DaVita.
Find a DaVita Nocturnal Dialysis Program
Call 1-866-994-SLEEP (1-866-994-7533) to ask a DaVita Guest Services Specialist whether there is a DaVita In-Center Nocturnal Dialysis Program in your area, and to learn more about the benefits of in-center nocturnal dialysis. For a center to sustain its nocturnal dialysis program, at least 10 dialysis patients need to participate.
How does in-center nocturnal dialysis work?
Once you’ve identified a nocturnal program in your area and you arrive for your nocturnal dialysis session, the healthcare team will take care of all aspects of treatment.
First, your access area will be washed by a patient care technician; then you will be weighed and escorted to your dialysis chair. Your blood pressure will be taken, both standing and sitting, and a dialysis nurse will check your vitals and connect you to the dialysis machine.
The typical dialysis session is usually six to eight hours overnight and during that time your blood pressure will be taken and the dialysis machine will be monitored. You are free to read, watch television, or do almost any activity that can be done from the dialysis chair that helps you relax before falling asleep. A "sleep zone" is established to encourage you to rest during treatment, because it's important not to disrupt your sleep while dialyzing.
Once the dialysis treatment time is up, you will be disconnected from the dialysis machine and your vital signs and weight will be recorded again.
Your nephrologist, dietitian and social worker will visit you during your nighttime dialysis treatments at least once a month.
What to bring to the dialysis center
On the nights you have dialysis, bring items that help you relax when you dialyze overnight. Some things you’ll want to remember:
- Wear loose sleeves if you have a graft or fistula in your arm
- Pack a blanket and pillow
- Bring a book
- Pack earphones to hear the television at your chair
- Check your center to see if it has Internet access in case you want to use your laptop
DaVita dialysis treatment options
If you find that in-center nocturnal dialysis isn’t for you, explore DaVita’s other treatment options:
For more information, call DaVita Guest Services at 1-866-994-SLEEP (1-866-994-7533).
