Objective To compare the differences of dialysis complications and tolerability between nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) and conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients. Methods Seventy-two NHD and 72 CHD patients from Changzheng Hospital of Second Military Medical University were enrolled in this study. The clinical data were collected and the postdialysis recovery time was recorded. The complications including intradialytic hypotension, postdialytic fatigue, itching, muscle spasms, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and sleep disorders, and the mental pressure and daily life (fear of death, worrying about equipment failure, losing freedom, and failing to work) were all investigated using a questionnaire. Results Patients in the NHD group had significantly shortened postdialysis recovery time (P<0.01) and significantly less complications (intradialytic hypotension, postdialytic fatigue, itching, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting) than those in the CHD group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of patients who lost freedom significantly was decreased (P<0.01), but the number of patients worrying about equipment failure was significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion The NHD patients have less complications associated with hemodialysis than CHD patients, and they also have improved tolerance to maintenance hemodialysis.