Bengaluru: Eighteen-year-old Ashitha SK is on regular dialysis. She says that it was very difficult to juggle classes, studies, and dialysis sessions, so much so that 24 hours felt short for her. When she was first put on dialysis she was late everywhere including her hospital appointments and fun activities, owing to city’s infamous traffic. But, things have now changed for the student.
“Thanks to nocturnal dialysis, I don’t have to worry now that I’ll be late because of traffic or that I am wasting my day hours. I never want to skip anything in life because of my health condition,” the Bellandur resident asserts.
Being stuck in traffic for hours in Bengaluru is part of routine for many. Patients travelling to hospitals for dialysis had also resigned themselves to the nightmare. But now many have found an alternative that helps them skip traffic and scheduling conflicts. Nearly 10% of people who are on dialysis in the city have opted for nocturnal dialysis, a treatment that runs overnight while they are asleep, say experts.
Dr Deepak Kumar Chitralli, chief consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Manipal Hospital, explained, “Nocturnal dialysis is performed overnight for six to seven hours, three times a week, while the patient sleeps. This is different from conventional dialysis, which takes about four hours during the day. The longer and slower process overnight makes dialysis gentler on the body and gives patients more freedom during the day.”
The city’s traffic woes make scheduling medical treatments a logistical challenge, especially for those who need dialysis multiple times a week. Dr Raghavendra N, consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Trilife Hospital, emphasised how nocturnal dialysis is addressing this issue. “Overnight dialysis offers a practical solution. Patients can undergo treatment while they sleep and wake up ready to continue their day without disruption. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals and students under 20, who need flexibility. Additionally, since toxins are removed more efficiently, patients can enjoy a more relaxed diet,” he said.
Beyond convenience, the medical advantages of nocturnal dialysis are drawing more patients to this option. Dr Manjunath S, consultant nephrologist at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, noted, “Nocturnal dialysis also helps lower the risk of complications. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better mental health and cardiac stability. With improved dialysis, patients often see a boost in appetite and overall well-being.”
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Mothiram, 74, businessman, Devanahalli
“Dedicating hours to dialysis during my productive business hours was really challenging, mentally stressful, and physically tiring. Imagine leaving from hospital to my office every day, the traffic would worsen my fatigue after dialysis. It increased my irritability, and I used to blame everything on traffic, including my health. Ever since I have opted for overnight dialysis, I undergo the sessions without much of a mental stress and for longer hours compared to my day-time sessions. Unlike dialysis during day, overnight dialysis allows me to rest well and wake up feeling refreshed. I no longer have to plan my daily routine around dialysis.”
Shailendra Kumar, 67, entrepreneur, Hebbal
“As an entrepreneur, I travel very frequently. My biggest challenge was to schedule my travel plans according to my day-time dialysis. By the time my dialysis would end, it would be peak hour in the city. Shifting to nocturnal dialysis has made a huge difference in my health and lifestyle. I can now travel during the day without compromising on time. Since the overnight dialysis sessions are longer and slower, I feel less fatigue and well-rested after the sessions. Now, I get more free-time during the day to focus on my activities and also spend time with family instead of being at the hospital.”
