BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Around 300,000 people in the United States are dependent on kidney dialysis to remove toxins from their blood. Typically, patients have to go to a clinic several times a week for 4-hour periods while their blood is cleaned.

But new research from Turkey has suggested that overnight dialysis -- lasting eight hours, three times per week -- may provide greater health benefits.

Doctors switched 224 patients from regular to overnight dialysis for a 1-year period. Compared to a similar group of patients who remained on conventional dialysis, the overnight group reduced their odds of premature death by 78 percent.

They also improved their appetites, reduced their use of blood pressure medications, and enjoyed better mental functioning. Many were able to return to work.

Researchers said that seniors might not see as much benefit, and older patients were also more reluctant to start sleeping at the clinic.