Clinical Hypnotherapy and Changing Bad Habits

Posted on by Mark Moran

Hypnosis and producing the effects of change derived from it a partnership between the hypno-therapist and the client.  It involves understanding how to help the client reach a state of peace to speak to the subconscious and it takes work on the part of the client to implement the changes in daily life.  Success is based on this partnership.  It is not a brainwashing, or altering of one’s identity but an understanding of how to help the client rewire the subconscious to be compliant to the conscious mind.  In a previous blog, we discussed the nature of the subconscious mind and its intrinsic ways.  We discussed how to better re-program it to the wishes of the conscious mind.  To review that blog, please click here

In this blog, we will take a closer look at keys to successfully implementing hypnosis to produce change.  If you would like to learn more about hypnotherapy, then please review the American College of Hypnotherapy’s certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who wish to practice hypnosis within the scope of their practice.

Finding the Alpha State

Finding the alpha state is key to successful hypnosis.

Hunter points out that in entering hypnosis, or even self hypnosis, individuals must understand the concept of progressive relaxation.  Progressive relaxation helps the mind enter into the all important alpha state.  Hunter points out that progressive relaxation involves finding a comfortable place to relax.  Upon finding a quiet, calm and comfortable place, Hunter suggests employing deep breathes to help the body and mind enter into a more relaxed state.  He suggests imagining every part of the body becoming relaxed, starting from the tips of one toe, through each part of the body until the top of head (1998, p. 35-37).   Within progressive relaxation, you can imagine a peaceful place.  During this process, time distortion can occur within alpha, where time seems longer or shorter, as well as the wandering of the mind from various countdowns.  Hunter suggests not worrying about time and if the mind wanders to gently guide it back to the last recalled countdown (1998, p. 36).   After the session is over, one can awaken if with a therapist or alone, by simply counting down and stating that one is now awake and again fully aware.

In addition to relaxation, Hunter also suggest eye fixation which involves staring at object, such as a candle flame or dim light (1998, p. 37). After focusing, one should then proceed with deep breathes and one enters into the progressive relaxation script of imagining all parts of the body being relaxed.  Another way to find a deeper alpha state is to utilize mental misdirection in which the hypnotherapists will have the client imagine something to produce a response.  One example includes imagining oneself carrying a bucket of water. One can also imagine holding to balloons and how they gently pull (Hunter, 1998, p. 38).

All of these help the clinical hypnotherapist, or individual engaging in self hypnosis to find the trance like state to encounter the subconscious at a productive level.

The Importance of Motivators

Motivators in hypnosis can motivate the subconscious in the desired direction or opposite direction.  Since, as seen in our last blog, the subconscious is deeply committed and anchored to past ideas and habit.  These are anchored in repetition, subconscious alpha states, authority instilled principles, deep emotion, and desire to be identified as something.  These things while also playing a large part in making our subconscious what it is, also play a role in creating new standards.

For instance if working on weight loss, Hunter utilizes these motivators.  He states that emotion can help us fantasize about the benefits of weight loss and how we will look and feel.  In regards to alpha state, he suggests clients replace the urge of snack associated with the trance state of watching tv to replace it with the habit of drinking water.  Hunter points out that repetition of good eating habits will enforce new habits as opposed to bad past repetitious habits.  In addition, identity, he encourages one to find someone to admire or discover a mentor who has lost weight and try to tie one’s identity to that person’s qualities.  Finally, new authority can help the subconscious reform to weight loss.  Turn to a mentor, spiritual power or God to help find strength, or use authority against itself by rebelling against the previous authority of junk food in one’s life.   These motivators need to be utilized and understood in hypnosis so as to anchor new ideas in the mind when confronted with past triggers to bad habits.  New triggers during hypnosis can be applied and help the subconscious work with the conscious decision to eat less (Hunter, 1998, p. 60-61).

Overcoming Obstacles

The subconscious mind has many obstacles to overcome and most exist within the mind.  In hypnosis, the therapist helps confront those obstacles with different ways of thinking.  Hunter first points out the failure trap.  Past failures can trap one from true change.  It is important during hypnosis to address those failures and affirm positive outcomes (1998, p. 74).   Another trap is self justification.  In this state, one justifies the poor choices with negative emotions or ideals.  Self pity and prolonged anger can look to justify how one is behaving, instead of finding growth (Hunter, 1998, p. 74).  Hunter also points out the importance of overcoming a “if only” mentality that again looks for excuses for a certain behavior (1998, p. 75).  Instead, Hunter emphasizes that one must forgive oneself and others and find ultimate responsibility for choices in life and allow oneself to move forward with the subconscious without any negative ideals (1998, p. 75).

Words and Affirmations

Hypnotherapists can help clients sell ideas and changes to the subconscious mind

Ultimately during hypnosis, one is trying to sell something to one’s subconscious.  The success of selling determines the outcome.  Hunter points out that words are important and inappropriate words can hurt the subconscious (Hunter, 1998, p. 118). When things are yelled to not do something or not to forget, then the mind tends to remember the negative connotation before the message itself.   This is why it is important to positively state messages rather than use the negative connotation.  Instead of telling someone to :not forget your coat”, instead state “remember your coat” (Turner, 1998, p. 118).  Hunter encourages the Law of Expectancy.  Within this law, hypnotic suggestions are constructed in a positive way to help the subconscious mind see the possibility of what is consciously accepted (1998, p. 119).    In addition, Hunter warns against telling the subconscious of what it cannot do.  The Law of Reserved Effect produces the exact opposite.  Hunter points out when one thinks of what they cannot have, the mind creates a fantasy of wanting it more.  Hunter points out that the term “Don’t drink and drive” can create the undesired result.  Instead he suggests a positive term as “Drive sober” (1998, p. 120).  Hunter illustrates that one should adhere to the Law of Awareness.  Within this law, one tends to attract what dominates one’s mind.  Hence it is important to make the mind aware of positive statements.

Hence with any affirmation, it is important to say what one is as opposed to what one is not.  For instance, Hunter uses the example of a public speaker who may be nervous.  Instead of saying, ” I am not afraid to speak in public”, he emphasizes the positive affirmation, “I am a confident public speaker” (Hunter, 1998, p. 122).   Hunter teaches the importance of affirmations that are positive and in present tense.  He emphasizes active words that end in “ing” that impose a now mentality.  Hypnotherapists need to utilize these proper affirmations to properly convince the subconscious to change.

Hence the proper use of strong words and positive and present emphasis is key in helping someone convince the subconscious of desired change.

Goals

Hunter also emphasizes a good planning strategy in producing change.  Goals are key and celebrating success is critical in the minor battles one wins over the subconscious when reprogramming over bad habits.  Clinical Hypno-therapists should help the client set goals both short term and long term and help them reach those goals.  Hunter lists both short term and long term goals but he categorizes them into different groups as achievements, possessions, characteristics, projects or changes (1998, p. 87).  The hypno-therapist can help the client prioritize, understand and ultimately achieve the goals through various triggers.

One should never underestimate the power of imagination in hypnosis and its power to convince the subconscious to change and meeting new goals and habits.  Imagination can transform and carry one to new levels of success in meeting goals.

Conclusion

Hypnosis is successful when properly conducted.  It is ultimately about selling an idea to the subconscious and rewiring against what it previously held dearly.   The hypno-therapist can help unlock past locks and clear past obstacles with new ideas for change through utilizing motivators, proper words and good goal setting.

Please also remember to review AIHCP’s Clinical Hynotherapy program.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who seek to utilize hypnosis within the scope of their practice.  To review, click here

Additional Resources

Hunter, C. (1998). “Master the Power of Self Hypnosis” Sterling Publishing.

“Hypnotherapy For Habits”. Inspired to Change.  Access here

“How Hypnosis Can Help Break Bad Habits: A Step-by-Step Guide”. (2024). Melbourne Healing Center.  Access here

Warner, A. (2023). “How hypnotherapy can break unwanted habits”. Healthful Mind Clinic.  Access here

“Breaking Bad Habits: A Comprehensive Approach with Self-Hypnosis”. HypnoBoost.  Access here

Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind

Posted on by Mark Moran

Hypnosis and the Subconscious

The concept of hypnosis is not a stage trick or parlor game but has its roots in basic alpha states of the mind.  While many conceive hypnosis to be mind control, it is in reality merely voluntary rewiring of the subconscious to be more willing to obey the wishes of the conscious mind.  To better understand how the true science of hypnotherapy works and how it helps individuals face issues in their life, it is important to understand hypnosis and how it works with the natural subconscious mind to help produce change in people.

Hypnosis looks to guide the subconscious mind into making change at the conscious level

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program.

There are four states of the mind.  The first brain wave is beta, or the conscious mind when individuals are awake and fully operating.  The second state is alpha when the person is day dreaming, meditating, or prior to falling asleep.  The final two states are theta, the dream state, and delta, the deep sleep state (Hunter, 1998, p. 21).  According to Hunter, the brain waves of alpha which are between 8 and 13 cycles are a state between conscious and subconscious are most open to suggestion (pg. 21).   However, even in this state, the person maintains complete control, the hypnotherapist is merely a guide that helps induce the deeper state and help the individual find resolution to conscious habits or issues.  Ironically, one is under the state of alpha many times without realizing it when intently watching a movie, or television show, especially during commercials.  One is also in the alpha state while day dreaming, or prior to sleep.  Hence it is a very natural state and not something unnatural or dangerous in itself.

According to Hunter, hypnosis is important because no matter what change one wishes to implement, the subconscious wins over the conscious mind (1998, p. 43).  Hunter points out that habits are controlled by the subconscious mind (1998, p. 15).   All habits are a direct result of past programming in our life at the subconscious level due to various motivators.  It is hence important to anchor new ideas into the subconscious mind and establish triggers for the conscious mind to utilize when facing change in life.  Many  negative triggers can push one to again smoke, but new ways of thinking that are anchored into the subconscious can help individuals promote change in life.  All habits or change are difficult because they are cemented within the unconscious and because of that, it is important to strengthen the subconscious.  In facing the subconscious, Hunter points out that the subconscious usually does not change because the conscious mind decides one day to suddenly start a new habit or change of life.  The subconscious does not comply to force but only persuasion at the subconscious level.  New ideas and ways to form new habits need to be implemented (1998, p. 16).   Hunter states that this involves a conscious decision to change but one that is truly backed with motivation to do what needs to be done and a responsibility to accept one’s part in the habits (1998, p. 17).  Like a rebellious child, the subconscious needs to be gradually subdued without brute force but time and patience.

Hunter recommends various “gateways” to better strengthen the subconscious.  Repetition is the first gateway but it can be a long trek in replacing old habits with new habits.  The subconscious mind holds tightly to past habits, yet, repetition is key to forming new habits (1998, P. 47).   The second gateway to the subconscious is authority.  Authority can play a key role into a our subconscious molding as children.  It is good to find positive authority motivators as opposed to negative authority motivators in breaking old habits (Hunter, 1998, p. 49).  The third gateway is ego.  Within ego, one is subconsciously pressured for good or bad via peer pressure, various mentors, recognition and rewards, or identification within a particular group (Hunter, 1998, p. 49-53).  The fourth gateway is the utilization of the alpha state.  According to Hunter, hypnosis is merely guided day dreaming that utilizes the imagination, the language of the subconscious, to help one change (1998, p. 53). Finally, Hunter lists the power of emotion tied to one’s subconscious mind as the most powerful motivator to change.  Whether fear or joy, emotion plays a powerful role in our ability to change or not change (1998, p. 55).  Hence these various gateways are possible ways to help the subconscious mind accept change, albeit, some take too long, or resistant, but ultimately if understood and utilized properly, they can work together to help the subconscious accept change.

While these gateways are productive, these motivators can also be inhibitors within the subconscious programming.  Repetition of bad habits, rebellion against authority, bad identifications, bad habits in alpha and negative emotion and triggers associated with those bad habits may need reworked to help the person change (Turner, 1998, p. 59).   Replacing these gateways with positive aspects of each, can help the person escape the negative associated with them and drive the subconscious into new habits that are good.

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

To learn more about hypnotherapy, the The College of Hypnotherapy and AIHCP offers certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy for qualified professionals.  While hypnotherapy at the current moment (2025) is rarely regulated, a few states require a licensure, but most require merely utilizing within the scope of ones education and training.  Hence, clinical professionals can utilize hypnosis for deeper pathological issues of trauma, while non clinical are limited to basic stress management and changing bad habits.  AIHCP accepts both non clinical and clinical into the hypnosis program.  Via the required courses, qualified professionals can become certified in clinical hypnotherapy and practice within the scope of their practice and education.

Please click here to learn more about AIHCP’s program to see if you qualify!

Resource

Hunter, C. Roy, 1998. “Master the Power of Self-Hypnosis”. Sterling Publishing Company.

Additional Blogs

Is Clinical Hypnotherapy Safe?  Click here

Additional Resources

“What Is Self-Hypnosis and How Do I Do It?”. (2023).  Cleveland Clinic. Access here

Harley, J. (2020). “Self-Hypnosis: What It Is & How to Do It”. Mindset  Health.  Access here

Watts. T. “The Subconscious Mind and Hypnosis”. Self Hypnosis. Access here

Anbar, R. (2025). “Consulting the Subconscious in Everyday Life”. Psychology Today.  Access here

Why is Cloud-Based EHR the Future of Healthcare Practice Management?

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Nurses standing in a line posingWritten by Muhammad Numan

Healthcare in 2025 would look totally different to someone who had practiced in the 90s. In fact, we do not even need to go back that far in the past. The rise of AI post-COVID has changed everything, including healthcare. Thanks to the many technological innovations, doctors are now spending more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks.

Among these technological inventions, cloud-based Electronic Health Record systems (EHRs) have revolutionised healthcare practice management. Unlike traditional EHRs, cloud-based EHRs marked a paradigm shift to a more accessible, secure, and patient-centred approach.

For professional healthcare providers, cloud EHRs offer a tactical advantage in managing the complexities of modern healthcare. Healthcare systems, like EHR for small practices, offer uninterrupted access to patient data, scalable solutions to administrative workload, and, most importantly, compliance with regulatory bodies.

Let’s dive into the blog to learn how a web-based EHR system can revolutionize healthcare practice management, improving patient care through EHR!

Challenges That Most Doctors Face Today

Are you a professional healthcare provider who wants to ensure adequate healthcare for your patients, but still finds it challenging sometimes? Most doctors are buried under paperwork that eats into their patient time and energy. And this affects their relationship with patients.

Here are some challenges you might encounter in ensuring optimal patient care!

1.    Fragmented Patient Data

One of the biggest hurdles of healthcare management is fragmented interoperability and data silos. Interoperability has real-world consequences, especially for healthcare professionals.

Around 18% to 20% of EHR-related patients’ safety concerns arise from the data exchange issues between the key stakeholders. Such disruptions are a fragmented workflow that significantly threatens patient safety.

Modern cloud EHRs can tackle this problem greatly by introducing FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource). This enables the system to eliminate data silos by supporting SMART on FHIR apps that let clinicians access longitudinal data across systems.

2.    Administrative Workload

Administrative workload remains another challenging and arduous task for professional healthcare providers, especially when using conventional Electronic health record systems. The excessive documentation burden often forces healthcare providers to spend more time charting than providing healthcare services.

Research shows that doctors spend twice as much time on traditional EHRs as on in-person consultations, leading to clinical burnout. This problem is further exacerbated by inefficient interfaces, ample digital health records, persistent task interruptions, and a lack of mechanisms for timely task delegation.

Cloud EHRs, on the other hand, offer various compelling solutions by integrating AI tools, real-time access to information, and role-based responsibilities. These tools allow the practitioners and administrative staff to access patient data, streamline workflow, and minimize disruptions.

Moreover, a centralized cloud-based infrastructure designs innovative interfaces, and supports real-time analytics and language to reduce the administrative workload for practitioners. Such benefits can reduce clinical burnout and enhance patient care.

3.    Information Overload

Information overload is observed to be one of the most influential factors when impeding the efficiency of any web-based EHR system. It can lead to clinical inefficiency and delayed decisions by seasoned healthcare professionals.

Research shows that bloated notes and vast amounts of information regarding lab results and medication force physicians to filter out all the irrelevant information, requiring them to invest 20 to 30% of each patient encounter time.

Physicians also complain that they spend nearly 70 minutes daily only reviewing the inbox of the EHR patient portal, with an average of 57 alerts. This does not contribute to clinical burnout but rather to daily mental fatigue.

Such a data overflow is significantly reduced via EHR implementation, which enables your system to automatically filter unnecessary information from your database and presents a more organized structure. It employs advanced search and filtering capabilities, cloud-hosted voice and AI tools, and integrates team-based inbox workflow systems.

Why Choose a Cloud-Based EHR?

Cloud-based EHR for small practices promises to provide various services to professional healthcare providers, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare. Here are some of the main cloud EHR benefits doctors have noticed after switching to reliable healthcare practice management software, like Practice EHR:

1.    Provision of Real-Time Analytics and Optimization

Retrospective reports are often generated by conventional EHRs, but such reports might not be sufficient for high-tempo decision-making settings. On the contrary, cloud-based platforms support real-time dashboards that continuously monitor clinician activity or documentation time, enabling timely and data-driven intervention.

For instance, a study by Albert Milstein in Health Affairs shows that the healthcare organizations integrated with real-time analytics and optimization show better healthcare outcomes, significantly improving operational metrics and overall efficiency of the clinical decisions.

Real-time analytics and optimization also mitigate alarm fatigue by analyzing alert response patterns and modifying thresholds accordingly.

Cloud-based EHR for small practices offers some of the most transformative capabilities, including real-time analytics. Physicians and administrative staff can use data-driven insights to improve patient care in addition to operational efficiency.

2.    Security, Redundancy, and Regulatory Compliance

As cybersecurity threats and regulatory compliance intensify, it has become imperative for web-based EHRs to ensure security, redundancy, and regulatory compliance.

Unlike traditional EHRs based on outdated infrastructure, cloud EHRs have a multi-layered security architecture, guarantee regulatory compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2, and enhanced security against data breaches and illegal activities.

Healthcare Organizations with web-based EHR systems are less prone to data breaches if they show compliance with various certifications and third-party requirements, such as SAS70 Type II, PCI DSS Level 1, ISO 27001, and the US Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

Lastly, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a multi-factor authentication tool that cloud vendors provide to safeguard patient data in the clinical workflows. Web-based EHRs are also gaining popularity because their recovery time (in the case of a data breach) is low. In high-stakes settings, such features ensure regulatory compliance and show massive resilience against cyber threats.

3.    Patient Centric Care and Engagement

Cloud EHR systems are designed to ensure patient care at every stage, offering secure and accessible personal healthcare information. This feature of EHR systems has empowered patients to keep a check on their health status by reviewing their lab results, treatment plans, and feedback from physicians.

A review of 18 studies shows that direct patient access to EHR systems has significantly enhanced patient engagement by developing self-management, self-care, and adherence to treatment plans among individuals.

Additional evidence on web-based EHR shows that patient portals have significantly increased preventive care rates and reduced the need for manual scheduling, as portals provide self-scheduling services. According to reports by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), about 60% of patients use patient portals to schedule meetings with their physicians and access their medical data storage.

By empowering patients, cloud EHRs are not only reducing their healthcare costs but also making them adopt a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

4.    Future-Proofing Healthcare Practice Management

Cloud-based EHRs have become a strategic imperative in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape and can provide an adaptable foundation for transformative innovation.

Cloud EHRs are interoperable enough to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as ambient clinical intelligence, AI-powered decision support, real-time imaging analytics, and telehealth-native workflows. Such platforms offer continuous updates, enabling the health systems to bring innovations that disrupt the seamless workflow of clinical operations.

A recent Philip Future Health Index report shows that over 43% of healthcare leaders have integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across various healthcare platforms. AI integration into web-based EHRs is done to support clinical decisions for in-hospital patient monitoring.

Cloud-based environments have also integrated ambient voice technology to improve documentation efficiency and patient care. Cloud EHRs also serve as a springboard for a modern digital health ecosystem aimed at integrating data from wearables, remote access to patient data, counselling, and genomics.

AI Solutions at Practice EHR

In the era of conventional EHRs, cloud EHRs give AI solutions for most administrative and health-related work, and Practice EHR takes the lead here. AI EHR, such as Practice EHR, promises to provide the benefits of AI in healthcare systems that improve patient care and provide cost-effective EHR solutions.

Healthcare professionals can simplify their manual work with AI EHR tools, which can automate the documentation process. Some AI-powered tools offered by Practice EHR are:

1.    AI Scanner

The AI Scanner feature of PracticeEHR successfully removes the hassle of manual paperwork, streamlining the workflow with automation. With Practice EHR’s AI Scan, your staff can populate patient data within seconds by just scanning a patient’s driver’s license or insurance card.

2.    AI Scribe

AI Scribe from Practice EHR provides hands-free, patient-focused care by turning every patient-provider conversation into precise notes during the visit. This tool ensures a meaningful connection with your patients by avoiding lengthy typing and distractions.

Moreover, AI Scribe recommends accurate CPT and ICD codes based on the notes created at the end of the visit. This can bring relief for the billing department and speed up the claims submission process.

Conclusion

Cloud-based EHRs are beyond technological upgrade! They represent a complete shift in healthcare delivery and management. Highly skilled healthcare professionals are using web-based EHR for modern clinical realities.

Unlike conventional EHR systems, which cannot scale and remain adaptable, cloud-based EHRs are scalable EHR systems that use robust platforms for real-time analytics, regulatory compliance, and other cross-system collaborations.

A 2020 study published in Sensors argues that it is high time that clinical systems realize the need to integrate robust and innovative cloud-based systems for reducing burnout, a protective shield against breaches, and fast-paced data sharing without loss.

 

Author’s Biography

Muhammad Numan is a healthcare writer and Content Marketing Executive at Practice EHR, where he has spent the past two years creating impactful content for healthcare professionals. With a Master’s degree in Pharmacy, he brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge and marketing expertise to help health tech companies communicate more clearly and effectively. His work focuses on bridging the gap between complex healthcare concepts and accessible, audience-friendly messaging.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Manager Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Behavioral Mental Health Video Blog on Ghosting and Gas Lighting

Posted on by Mark Moran

Ghosting and gaslighting are two common issues in relationships with people.  They are both manipulative and damaging to the victim.  This video takes a closer look at both issues.

Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.

Reframing Menopause: Clinical Perspectives on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

stethoskop on paperWritten by Dr. Jane Smith, MD

Menopause represents a substantial shift in a woman’s physiological landscape, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. This natural decline in ovarian hormone production can generate an array of symptoms that significantly affect quality of life: vasomotor instability, urogenital atrophy, insomnia, mood fluctuations, and cognitive disturbances, to name a few. For many, these changes signal not only a biological transition but also an existential one. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly formulations based on bioidentical hormones, is increasingly considered a targeted approach to managing these effects.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are chemically and molecularly identical to the endogenous hormones produced by the human body. Most commonly, these include estradiol, estriol, and progesterone. Derived from plant sources like yams and soy, bioidentical hormones are compounded or manufactured to mirror the body’s natural hormones.

The differentiation between bioidentical and synthetic hormones often generates confusion. Synthetic hormones, though sometimes derived from similar natural precursors, differ structurally from the hormones they are meant to replicate. This structural variance can influence receptor binding, metabolism, and downstream effects.

Clinical Efficacy of Bioidentical HRT

Research indicates that bioidentical HRT, particularly formulations approved by the FDA such as micronized progesterone and estradiol, are effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A 2017 review in “Climacteric” found that women using bioidentical estradiol and progesterone reported significant improvements in vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and sexual health.

Moreover, bioidentical hormones, especially when administered transdermally, have been associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic events and stroke compared to oral synthetic preparations. These outcomes are contingent upon appropriate patient selection, dosage individualization, and monitoring—hallmarks of responsible clinical care.

Regulatory Framework and FDA Approval

The FDA has approved a number of hormone therapies that qualify as bioidentical, including estradiol in patches, gels, and tablets, and micronized progesterone in capsule form. These products are subject to stringent regulatory oversight regarding safety, efficacy, and manufacturing standards.

However, a separate category exists for compounded bioidentical hormones. These are prepared in compounding pharmacies using FDA-approved ingredients, tailored to a prescriber’s specifications for an individual patient. It is important to distinguish that while the ingredients are FDA-approved, the final compounded product is not subject to FDA approval. This distinction is often misrepresented or misunderstood in both clinical and popular discourse.

Winona’s Formulary Integrity

Winona offers HRT through both FDA-approved medications and custom-compounded bioidentical formulations. Their oral pills and transdermal patches use bioidentical hormones that are FDA-approved, meeting rigorous standards for consistency and efficacy. Their compounded creams, however, represent a different regulatory pathway.

As per Winona’s official statement:

“Our bioidentical oral pills and transdermal patches are FDA-approved, and our compounded creams are created with FDA-approved ingredients in our compounding pharmacy to match your Winona doctor’s specifications/dosage.”

“Compounding is a practice in which different ingredients found in FDA-approved medicines are combined to create medications that meet the needs of individual patients. Currently, once FDA-approved ingredients are combined, they can no longer be labeled FDA-approved, since the FDA does not regulate compounding. This means that while our creams are not labeled FDA-approved, they are formulated with ingredients from FDA-registered sources.”

This approach underscores a commitment to transparency and patient-specific care. It also reflects an understanding of regulatory boundaries that is essential for health professionals prescribing or recommending these treatments.

Individualization and Patient-Centered Models

Menopause manifests heterogeneously. Some patients experience intense vasomotor symptoms; others may be more troubled by cognitive fog or genitourinary syndrome. The individualization of hormone therapy is therefore central to effective management. Winona employs board-certified physicians who tailor treatment plans to reflect both symptomatology and patient history.

This is where compounded therapy offers potential value: it allows for dosing and combinations not readily available in standardized, FDA-approved products. However, clinical vigilance is critical. Hormone levels must be monitored periodically, and the prescribing professional must remain informed on emerging safety data.

Risks and Controversies

All forms of HRT carry potential risks—breast cancer, cardiovascular events, and gallbladder disease among them. The magnitude of these risks depends on the formulation, route of administration, patient age, and duration of use. Importantly, the “Women’s Health Initiative” trial, often cited in HRT discussions, used conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, not bioidentical hormones.

Subsequent analyses have suggested that bioidentical hormones may have a different risk profile, though long-term data remain incomplete. For compounded hormones, the lack of large-scale, controlled studies remains a limitation. Nevertheless, observational data and small trials have supported their use under medical supervision.

Educational Implications for Healthcare Providers

Providers must be able to distinguish between marketing rhetoric and clinical evidence. The term “bioidentical” is not synonymous with “safer” or “natural,” nor does it imply a lack of risk. Clinicians must guide patients through nuanced discussions, presenting benefits and risks in the context of personal medical history and preferences.

Winona, by providing clear information and medical oversight, serves as a useful model for responsible telehealth-based hormone therapy. Their integration of FDA-approved treatments and well-sourced compounding allows them to meet diverse patient needs while staying within ethical and clinical boundaries.

Conclusion

Menopause is not a disease, but the physiological ramifications of hormonal decline can be profound. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a meaningful avenue for symptom relief and health optimization, especially when implemented under thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.

Platforms like Winona reflect the future of individualized hormone therapy: rooted in science, regulated when possible, and transparent about the limitations of current regulatory frameworks. Healthcare professionals must continue to advocate for informed, patient-specific approaches while remaining cautious of the limitations that accompany non-standardized formulations.

Author Bio:

Dr. Jane Smith, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with over 15 years of experience in women’s health and hormone therapy. She has authored peer-reviewed publications on menopause management and lectures nationally on innovations in hormone replacement. Her practice emphasizes evidence-based, personalized medicine with a focus on midlife health.

References

North American Menopause Society. (2022). The 2022 hormone therapy position statement. Menopause, 29(7), 767–784. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002028

Files, J. A., Ko, M. G., & Pruthi, S. (2011). Bioidentical hormone therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(7), 673–80. https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2011.0208

Winona. (n.d.). 5 Ways You Can Benefit from Bioidentical HRT. Retrieved from https://bywinona.com/5-ways-you-can-benefit-from-bioidentical-hrt

 

Please also review AIHCP’s  Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Emerging Trends in AI Diagnostic Tools: Shaping the Future of Accessible Healthcare

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Nurse working at a computer

Written by Emily Stokes

For healthcare providers and patients, AI diagnostic tools have emerged as a significant asset in clinical settings. With the advent of AI, healthcare providers gain the ability to make more precise diagnoses and operate more efficiently, while patients benefit from these advances. The overarching result is an enhanced approach to healthcare management that improves outcomes and quality of care.

With ongoing pressure to offer better services within tight timeframes, healthcare professionals must rely on AI-powered tools to supplement their efforts. Best of all, this reliance is helping patients get faster results and better treatment. If you’re curious about the latest trends reshaping diagnostics, keep reading to discover how today’s advances are building a more accessible, organized, and precise approach to healthcare.

Assessing Patient Symptoms to Offer Diagnoses

Many clinicians spend valuable minutes gathering information from their patients to help shape a diagnosis in the early stages of an appointment. Although this step is necessary, it can take up a lot of time. That’s where AI can enter the equation as a critical tool to expedite this process. AI can collect information from patients, including symptoms and health histories, to include in their patient portal and even formulate diagnosis right away. Clinicians then receive this information ahead of time, enabling them to know which diagnoses are most reasonable and turn their attention to treatment details. In short, AI-powered tools can help clinicians save time and assess which patients need the most urgent care.

In busy emergency departments, AI’s ability to collect information and generate recommendations in a matter of seconds can be lifesaving. Algorithms have reshaped the initial steps in a patient’s journey, releasing work from a healthcare provider’s load so they can turn their attention to the nuances of a patient’s situation. AI-powered tools give health providers the confidence to make decisions that can serve their patients more effectively.

Enhancing Online Consultations

Telehealth has become another popular tool in the ongoing effort to make healthcare more accessible to everyone. Remote consultations can help with the management of chronic conditions and improve patient engagement. They can also help reduce the financial burdens associated with frequent in-person visits.

Some individuals may forgo in-person appointments due to cost concerns or transportation limitations. This action can have bad consequences if a patient needs urgent attention. Fortunately, virtual interactions can act as a preliminary step, and they have become even better thanks to AI. AI can gather critical patient information, highlight risky symptoms, and create reports based on the encounter.

Platforms like Doctronic, for instance, allow patients to interact with a physician-trained chatbot to arrive at a set of potential diagnoses. This AI doctor format gives patients the convenience of inputting information from the comfort of their own home. The platform can also suggest lab or imaging recommendations given the patient’s set of symptoms and health history. And, if patients want to seek further input from a human doctor, they can do so for a small fee.

For patients unable to wait weeks before seeing their primary care physicians or unwilling to pay for an in-person visit, AI-powered chatbots are a significant solution.

Improving Interpretations of Imaging Data

Reading images to detect changes or inconsistencies is critical in areas like radiology or dermatology. Even small visual changes within a scan could be indicative of looming health problems. AI has helped improve the accuracy of readings, which helps with early disease detection while minimizing the potential for human error. AI can work in tandem with human health professionals when reviewing anything from MRIs to CT scans. Individuals undergoing cancer screenings or seeking updates on chronic conditions can feel more confident knowing that both human and AI-trained eyes are analyzing imaging data for inconsistencies or abnormalities. Further, AI can catch changes in patterns from one scan to the next, letting providers know that additional imaging may be necessary. This advancement is not meant to replace the expertise of trained medical experts. Rather, AI is meant to serve as a collaborative partner for clinicians, giving them a trusted partner to offer greater consistency in diagnoses. And for patients, this collaboration means that health providers can identify problems more quickly, permitting earlier interventions that may save lives.

AI models are trained on datasets to ensure they offer the most precise readings, too. AI can improve image resolution to catch small details that may be easy to miss otherwise. And having both radiologist and AI readings can yield a more comprehensive approach to disease detection. Additionally, AI can produce radiology reports and generate analyses quickly, saving providers time and resources.

The administrative tasks embedded within clinical work can be time-consuming, but AI creates professional summaries for patients and their records. With faster turnaround times for diagnoses and proposed next steps, patients can trust that they are receiving a higher level of care.

Using Wearables to Predict Health Challenges

Many individuals are taking their healthcare into their own hands through patient-generated health data (PGHD) from wearables. Fitness trackers and smartwatches are among the gadgets anyone can use to collect information about their health and activity levels. These types of devices can capture data on oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, hydration levels, and heart rate variability. Wearables have come a long way from their origins as devices that were primarily used to track daily steps.

Today’s AI-powered wearable devices can capture data that can be used to develop health recommendations. And with the help of better sensor data, health metrics are more accurate. In other words, an AI-powered wearable can detect differences in exertion from walking to running and adjust calorie readings in response.

Wearables give everyone personal accountability when it comes to their health. But the advantages don’t end there. Healthcare professionals aiming to offer the best suggestions for their patients can harness the power of AI to their advantage. A wearable may collect data on heart rate shifts, for instance, that prompts intervention from a provider.

AI-fueled wearables can use data, plus a patient’s history, to predict health issues that a patient can take action to change. The ability to gather data, interpret it, and produce actionable suggestions gives patients the incentive to continue wearing devices that can positively impact their overall health.

Streamlining Clinical Workflows 

Healthcare professionals don’t have spare time to waste when they’re busy meeting with and treating patients. And with increasing patient loads, providers need to maximize every minute and outsource what tasks they can. AI has provided great assistance in this realm, helping providers provide better care more quickly. Clinics can turn to AI for real-time alerts and help with prioritization of patient needs. And for clinicians juggling lots of cases, they can monitor patients remotely, keeping tabs on vital signs as they work throughout the day.

AI has the potential to save time by automating intake forms and visit summaries. AI can tackle repetitive tasks, like appointment scheduling and documentation. And AI can enhance documentation accuracy and flag urgent patient cases. When AI can integrate with electronic health records, it’s easier for healthcare professionals to update a patient’s latest medications, diagnoses, and other pertinent information, as well.

Ultimately, this streamlines tedious processes, saving harried healthcare workers time as they tackle their patient loads.

Building Healthcare Equity and Greater Trust

When patients face language barriers, they may be less likely to seek medical attention. In addition, language barriers between healthcare professionals and patients can cause miscommunications that adversely impact the quality of care. Clinicians can take advantage of AI tools to overcome this problem. Current AI diagnostic tools can read different languages and even demonstrate sensitivity to cultural norms within given populations. As a result, healthcare providers can better serve multilingual patients.

Healthcare providers must be certain they’re using AI without compromising patient anonymity of safety. This means adhering to established HIPAA guidelines and conducting routine audits for issues like bias against certain populations. Software also should be used in conjunction with federal directives regarding clinician decision support (CDS) tools. CDS tools are defined as resources that can help healthcare workers make decisions or diagnoses regarding a patient’s care.

All AI-powered platforms and tools should include clinical references to support suggested care plans or diagnoses. This certifies that all final recommendations communicated to patients are evidence-backed and vetted. When healthcare professionals abide by tight standards and protocols with their AI use, they’ll improve their care and earn the respect of the patients they serve.

Collaborating with AI in Today’s Healthcare Landscape

AI diagnostic tools have been a positive development for healthcare professionals navigating increasingly complex patient demands and workloads. Clinicians aren’t spending as much time in the early steps of data gathering and reading. Instead, they can collaborate with AI algorithms to refine treatment plans and help patients understand the best next steps.

More robust telehealth platforms and stronger imaging readings are among the contributions AI has made to the healthcare landscape in recent years. While providers gain more streamlined operations, patients reap the rewards of more precise diagnoses that can help them move forward.

 

Author bio:

Emily Stokes is a freelance writer with experience in the higher education and non-profit industries. She creates content for blogs and other online resources, and enjoys distilling down complex concepts through her writing.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Mental Health and Bullying/Shaming Video Blog

Posted on by Mark Moran

Bullying and shaming are large problems in our society.  It not only causes mental issues for the bullied but also creates dangerous responses and reactions when not processed properly.  Physical injury or death can occur for the bullied, but also lead to shootings or other events.  It is important to lobby and be an advocate for the bullied to help them overcome the emotional and mental and physical pains of being bullied.  This video takes a psychological look at both the bullied and bully.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health topics and  Mental Health Certifications

Integrating Service Dogs into Healthcare Teams: Enhancing Patient Care and Emotional Support

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Service dog wearing a vest Written by Vivian Kane,

Medical care continues advancing past conventional treatments, incorporating innovative methods that address patients’ physical and emotional requirements. Introducing specially trained dogs into healthcare settings represents a notable development in comprehensive patient care. These animals connect clinical expertise with human compassion, converting clinical environments into comforting healing spaces. 

The partnership between medical professionals and service animals creates valuable opportunities for thorough patient support. This collaboration exceeds traditional therapeutic approaches, establishing new benchmarks for managing complex medical conditions, emotional distress, and rehabilitation needs. Integrating these service dogs effectively demands careful assessment of procedures, training standards, and individualized applications.

Specialized Training for Medical Environment Adaptation

Medical settings present unique challenges requiring specialized canine preparation beyond standard assistance training. Animals must acclimate to medical equipment sounds, chemical odors, and unpredictable patient behaviors. Training programs should expose dogs to hospital environments during off-hours. Gradually introduce them to various medical scenarios.

Advanced training includes recognizing medical emergencies, maintaining composure during chaotic situations, and responding appropriately to different patient conditions. Ongoing education ensures animals remain current with evolving medical practices and sustain peak performance standards throughout their service careers.

Targeted Support for Psychiatric Conditions

Mental health care receives substantial improvement via thoughtfully incorporated canine support. Individuals facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and additional psychological disorders gain from the soothing effect and particular duties these animals can perform. Service dog partners can disrupt nightmares, offer stabilization throughout panic episodes, and establish spatial boundaries in busy areas for people with agoraphobia.

Psychological assistance demands focused preparation emphasizing emotional awareness, emergency response, and treatment alerts. These dogs develop skills to identify their owner’s mental condition shifts, delivering preventive help before symptom intensification. Their companionship frequently decreases pharmaceutical reliance, enhancing general treatment adherence and healing results.

Mobility and Physical Assistance Integration

Patients with mobility challenges require comprehensive support extending beyond traditional assistive devices. Trained assistance animals provide stability during ambulation, retrieve dropped items, and assist with balance during transfers. Their support enables greater independence while reducing fall risks and injury potential.

Physical therapy sessions benefit significantly from canine integration, as animals can motivate patients through difficult exercises while providing emotional encouragement. The animals’ presence often increases patient participation rates and extends therapy session durations, improving rehabilitation outcomes and shortening recovery periods.

Seizure Detection and Response Protocols

Epilepsy treatment success significantly advances with the inclusion of trained seizure alert dogs. These remarkable partners can identify seizure warning signs as early as 45 minutes before occurrence. This allows individuals and care providers to implement necessary safety measures. Throughout seizures, these canines can activate emergency systems, place themselves to shield the person, and retrieve critical medications.

 

After seizures, these dogs help by guiding confused people to safe areas, providing steadiness throughout recuperation, and locating extra help if necessary. This thorough assistance significantly improves seizure patients’ daily living while reducing hospital visits and urgent medical responses.

Memory and Cognitive Assistance Programs

Individuals with memory deficits, dementia, or cognitive disorders gain substantial advantages from specially trained support animals that provide memory prompts and mental assistance. These animals offer reminders about routine activities, direct patients to specific areas within healthcare facilities, and provide stabilization during confusion or disorientation episodes.

Cognitive support training emphasizes identifying memory-related behaviors, gentle redirection during confused states, and ensuring patient safety during wandering incidents. Animals develop skills to interrupt potentially dangerous actions, such as unsupervised departures from secure areas, while delivering comfort during anxiety or agitation frequently associated with cognitive deterioration.

Diabetic Alert and Management Support

Specially trained animals can detect blood sugar changes through smell, providing significant advantages for diabetes care. These animals warn patients about dangerous low or high blood sugar levels before symptoms appear, preventing medical crises and hospital visits.

Training covers teaching animals to fetch glucose supplies, notify family members during overnight episodes, and track medication timing. Their continuous monitoring offers reassurance to patients and families while supporting more active lives and better diabetes management.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assistance

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders experience benefits from specially trained animals. These animals provide a calming influence during sensory overload. They interrupt harmful repetitive behaviors and assist with social interaction challenges. Their presence often reduces anxiety levels while improving communication attempts and social engagement.

Training focuses on recognizing autism-specific behaviors, providing pressure therapy during meltdowns, and facilitating social interactions in medical settings. Animals can also assist with routine establishment and transition management, which are crucial elements for successful autism treatment and daily functioning.

Pain Management and Distraction Techniques

Chronic pain management benefits significantly from animal companionship. Their presence often reduces perceived pain levels and decreases reliance on pharmaceutical interventions. Animals provide a natural distraction during painful procedures while offering emotional support throughout treatment.

Training includes recognizing pain behaviors, providing appropriate comfort responses, and maintaining calm during medical interventions. Their support often enables patients to participate more fully in rehabilitation programs while maintaining better overall mood and treatment compliance.

Cardiovascular and Cardiac Alert Services

Cardiovascular patients benefit substantially from animals trained in cardiac event detection and immediate response. These specialized companions identify arrhythmias, recognize pre-cardiac event indicators, and notify medical staff about dangerous cardiovascular episodes before they become critical.

Cardiac alert animals receive specialized training to detect odor changes associated with heart conditions, blood pressure variations, and cardiac distress. Their detection capabilities provide essential early warning, enabling prompt medical intervention and preventing serious complications.

Training encompasses emergency alert system activation, safe patient positioning during cardiac events, and appropriate support during recovery. These animals also learn medication schedule recognition and assist with cardiac rehabilitation exercises, providing consistent motivation throughout treatment protocols.

Surgical Recovery and Post-Operative Support

Post-surgical recovery presents distinct challenges where service animals deliver essential patient support during difficult healing. These animals assist with mobility in early recovery, provide emotional comfort during painful rehabilitation, and help maintain critical medication schedules.

Surgical recovery animals learn to identify post-operative complications, assist with gentle movement protocols, and offer stability during initial walking attempts. Their presence reduces post-surgical anxiety and depression while encouraging more active participation in recovery programs. Their emotional support significantly influences healing rates, as stress reduction enhances immune function and accelerates tissue repair.

Surgical support training includes wound care protocol awareness, complication recognition, and assisting without disrupting medical equipment. These animals learn to work effectively around medical devices while maintaining their supportive function throughout recovery.

Long-Term Partnership Development

Successful integration requires commitment to long-term partnerships between healthcare facilities, patients, and animal handlers. These relationships develop over time, with animals becoming familiar with specific patients, medical routines, and facility protocols. Regular evaluation ensures continued effectiveness while identifying opportunities for expanded services.

Partnership development includes ongoing training updates, health monitoring for working animals, and continuous assessment of patient outcomes. Successful programs often expand to additional departments and services, creating comprehensive support networks that benefit entire patient populations.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Enhancement

Recovery programs gain significant momentum through animal integration, as patients often demonstrate increased motivation and participation when working alongside canine partners. Animals can assist with specific exercises, encourage difficult sessions, and help maintain consistent therapy schedules.

Training focuses on understanding rehabilitation equipment, recognizing patient fatigue levels, and providing appropriate motivation techniques. Their support often accelerates recovery timelines while improving patient satisfaction with treatment programs.

Emergency Response and Crisis Intervention

Medical emergencies require immediate, coordinated responses that trained animals can significantly enhance. These animals can alert medical staff to patient distress, provide immediate comfort during crises, and assist with evacuation procedures when necessary. Their training includes recognizing various emergency scenarios and responding appropriately to each situation.

Crisis intervention training prepares animals for chaotic environments while maintaining focus on their primary responsibilities. They learn to differentiate between routine medical activities and genuine emergencies, ensuring appropriate response levels for each situation.

Pediatric Care Enhancement

Children with medical conditions demonstrate remarkably positive responses to animal-assisted interventions. When supported by trained animal companions, Young patients experience reduced anxiety about medical procedures. These animals provide distraction during uncomfortable treatments, promote cooperation with healthcare providers, and offer comfort during prolonged hospitalizations.

Pediatric implementation requires specialized training addressing child-specific requirements, safety measures, and developmental factors. Animals must exhibit exceptional patience, gentleness, adaptability to fluctuating energy levels, and unpredictable behaviors characteristic of pediatric settings.

End-of-Life and Hospice Care Support

Patients with terminal conditions and their families receive significant comfort from trained support animals during challenging end-of-life periods. These animals offer unconditional emotional support, alleviate feelings of isolation, and provide solace during life’s final stages. Their presence often facilitates meaningful family discussions and assists with grief processing.

Hospice implementation requires nuanced training covering death awareness, family support approaches, and maintaining proper boundaries during emotionally charged situations. Animals develop skills to provide comfort without disrupting medical care while supporting both patients and grieving family members.

Establishing Clear Integration Protocols

Successful integration begins with comprehensive protocols. It outlines responsibilities, boundaries, and expectations for all team members. Healthcare facilities must develop guidelines addressing hygiene standards, patient interaction procedures, and emergency protocols. These protocols should specify which departments can accommodate canine partners, identify appropriate patient populations, and establish clear communication channels between handlers, medical staff, and administration.

Training programs for healthcare workers must address proper interaction techniques, recognition of canine stress signals, and understanding of legal requirements surrounding assistance animals. Regular protocol reviews ensure adaptation to changing regulations and emerging best practices, while documentation systems track outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

Endnote 

Incorporating trained support animals into medical teams constitutes an innovative approach to patient care that simultaneously addresses clinical and psychological needs. These exceptional partnerships establish therapeutic environments that surpass conventional medical treatments, delivering hope, comfort, and functional assistance to patients confronting diverse challenges. As healthcare progresses toward more comprehensive approaches, these canine team members become increasingly essential in creating thorough, empathetic care experiences that effectively support complete patient wellness.

Author Bio

Vivian Kane is a health writer with a passion for improving care for the elderly. With over a decade of experience in healthcare policy and senior care, she focuses on educating the public about innovative trends and best practices in eldercare. Vivian has contributed to various healthcare journals and blogs. Her work aims to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and caregivers, ensuring that the latest trends in eldercare education are accessible to everyone. When she’s not writing, Vivian volunteers at local senior care centers and advocates for better care standards for aging populations.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

The Relationship Between Nicotine and Sleep Disruption

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Lighted cigarette supported on ashtray. No peopleWritten by Pat Crilley

Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and many modern e-cigarettes. It acts as a stimulant by triggering the release of dopamine and adrenaline, which increases alertness and heart rate. However, this stimulation can interfere with the body’s natural sleep processes. Sleep disruption refers to difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Individuals who use nicotine frequently report shorter sleep duration and lower sleep quality. This pattern can affect both mental and physical health over time. Healthcare professionals should monitor this connection closely, as poor sleep worsens chronic conditions, affects mood regulation, and impacts treatment outcomes. Understanding the link between nicotine and sleep disruption supports better clinical decision-making and patient guidance.

How Nicotine Affects Sleep Architecture

Nicotine affects sleep by disrupting the natural flow of sleep architecture. It reduces the amount of time spent in both deep sleep and REM sleep, which are needed for body repair and mental restoration. These changes often lead to lighter, less restful sleep. Sleep cycles become shorter, and users tend to wake up more often throughout the night. As the stimulant effects of nicotine remain active in the system, falling asleep can also take longer. Non-users typically transition more smoothly through the sleep stages without repeated interruptions. On the other hand, those who use nicotine often experience increased restlessness and poor sleep continuity. The overall structure of their sleep becomes fragmented. Deep and REM stages are replaced by light sleep, which leaves the person feeling tired even after several hours in bed. Hence, consistent nicotine use gradually breaks down healthy sleep patterns.

The Role of Nicotine’s Half-Life in Nighttime Wakefulness

Nicotine stays active in the body for about two hours after use. This duration, known as its half-life, keeps the brain stimulated well into the night. The body stays alert, making it harder to wind down. Users often feel restless long after they stop smoking or vaping. The stimulating effect continues to interfere with the natural drop in heart rate and brain activity needed for rest. In contrast, those who avoid nicotine usually fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Nicotine keeps triggering arousals that interrupt the sleep cycle. These interruptions delay entry into deep, restorative sleep. Users often struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep. Then again, lighter sleep replaces the rest the brain and body need. The lingering presence of nicotine causes ongoing wakefulness and prevents the body from reaching a truly restful state.

Nicotine Withdrawal During Sleep Hours

Nicotine levels in the body begin to drop during sleep, which triggers withdrawal symptoms in regular users. These symptoms often include irritability, sweating, and waking up frequently. The brain reacts to the absence of nicotine with increased alertness and discomfort. Users may wake up multiple times and struggle to fall back asleep. These interruptions break the flow of natural sleep cycles.

Besides, those not dependent on nicotine usually experience more consistent and uninterrupted rest. Cravings often intensify in the second half of the night, making it harder to return to sleep after waking. The brain stays active and agitated, reducing sleep quality. Then again, this pattern leads to fatigue and mood swings during the day.  Nicotine withdrawal during the night directly contributes to fragmented sleep and poor overall rest.

Smoking Before Bed is a Hidden Barrier to Deep Sleep

Many people think smoking before bed brings calm, however the effect is misleading. The nervous system becomes overstimulated due to increased heart rate and alertness caused by nicotine. This stimulation affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which control arousal and rest cycles. The disruption in these chemicals impacts sleep structure and delays deeper stages. The problem grows worse because nicotine’s role in brain activity heightens stimulation right when the brain should be slowing down. As a result, users spend less time in restorative sleep and more time in lighter stages. They often wake up and struggle to fall back asleep. With this in mind, even a single bedtime cigarette can break the body’s rhythm. People who smoke late often report feeling tired even after a full night in bed.

Nicotine in Vapes is a Modern Delivery, Same Sleep Disruption

Vaping delivers nicotine in a modern form, but the effects on sleep remain similar to traditional smoking. The method may feel cleaner or less intense, yet the stimulant response in the body stays the same. Users inhale vaporized nicotine, which enters the bloodstream quickly and triggers alertness and increased heart rate. Its damaging effects can also cause vein conditions. It disrupts the body’s ability to relax at night. The stimulating effect interferes with melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Nicotine and sleep disruption, in this case, stay closely linked regardless of delivery method. Many users report restlessness after evening vaping sessions, often waking during the night or struggling to fall asleep. The perception that vaping is less disruptive proves inaccurate. As a matter of fact, the brain receives similar signals to stay alert, even when the user feels relaxed.

Nicotine and Sleep in Adolescents and Young Adults

Adolescents and young adults face greater risks from nicotine due to ongoing brain development. Their developing brains react more intensely, which increases the chance of early dependence. This early use interrupts sleep regulation. Frequent nicotine exposure throws off natural sleep timing and lowers overall rest quality. Then again, many young users overlook these changes and blame tiredness on school, social life, or stress. Above all, these patterns begin early and often worsen over time. Not to mention, consistent nicotine use during adolescence affects both short-term rest and long-term sleep health well into adulthood.

The Circadian System and Nicotine’s Disruptive Influence

Nicotine disrupts the body’s internal clock by interfering with melatonin production. This hormone helps regulate the circadian rhythm and signals the body to prepare for sleep. In contrast, nicotine increases alertness and delays melatonin release, especially when used in the evening. The brain receives conflicting cues—one pushing for rest, the other for wakefulness. This confusion delays sleep onset and shortens total sleep time. The natural rhythm that aligns with daylight and darkness shifts out of sync. As nicotine use continues, sleep patterns become irregular, and waking during the night becomes more common. Users may feel tired but struggle to enter deep, restorative sleep. Nicotine disrupts the body’s ability to follow its normal sleep-wake schedule. In short, the combination of delayed melatonin and overstimulation reduces sleep efficiency and leaves users feeling unrested even after several hours in bed.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies: Friend or Foe for Sleep?

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gum, and lozenges help reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase the rate of quitting by 50 to 70% but may affect sleep differently. Patches deliver nicotine slowly through the skin and often keep levels steady overnight. This steady release can lead to vivid dreams, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent waking. Gum and lozenges, used during the day, wear off by bedtime and tend to cause fewer sleep problems. Many users report better rest when avoiding the nighttime use of long-acting NRTs.

On the other hand, using a patch too close to bedtime often delays sleep onset due to lingering stimulation. Then again, short-acting options may help reduce cravings without lasting into sleep hours. Choosing the right form and timing of NRT can make a difference in sleep quality. Those struggling with nicotine and sleep disruption should avoid overnight nicotine delivery and focus on daytime-only strategies.

Clinical Implications and What Healthcare Providers Should Monitor

Healthcare providers should routinely ask patients about sleep patterns during tobacco use consultations. Many users do not connect nicotine with sleep problems unless prompted. Brief sleep assessments can uncover signs of restlessness, early waking, or nighttime cravings. Tracking these symptoms helps tailor treatment plans more effectively.

 

On the other hand, ignoring the sleep-nicotine connection may limit the success of cessation efforts. Withdrawal-related sleep complaints often trigger a relapse, especially during the first weeks of quitting. Providers should document withdrawal patterns and adjust nicotine replacement therapies based on timing and severity. Combining sleep management with cessation improves patient outcomes. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia can support progress during nicotine withdrawal. Assessing sleep and addressing it alongside tobacco use helps create practical, patient-centred care plans that reduce both relapse and fatigue.

 

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions and Nicotine-Related Sleep Disturbances

People with anxiety, depression, or insomnia often use nicotine to manage symptoms, but this pattern can worsen sleep problems over time. Nicotine overstimulates the nervous system, increases heart rate, and interferes with neurotransmitters tied to mood and rest. Not to mention, withdrawal during the night can trigger irritability, panic, or sadness, especially in those with existing mental health conditions. Dual-diagnosis patients—those with both psychiatric and substance use disorders—report higher rates of sleep disturbances compared to the general population. Then again, many continue using nicotine for temporary relief without realizing it prolongs insomnia and worsens mental fatigue. For this reason, treatment plans should address both mental health symptoms and nicotine habits. In short, managing nicotine use in patients with anxiety, depression, or insomnia supports better emotional stability and improves long-term sleep quality.

Addressing Nicotine and Sleep Disruption for Better Patient Outcomes

Nicotine and sleep disruption are strongly linked through their effects on brain activity, sleep cycles, and rest quality. Healthcare providers should consider both substance use and sleep when treating patients. Addressing these factors together improves long-term outcomes. Reducing nicotine use—especially at night—supports better sleep and overall health. Monitoring habits and providing tailored care can make lasting improvements in both areas.

 

Author’s Bio:

Pat Crilley is a graduate of Indian River State College and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of ARH Medical Group. He is also the Executive Director at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, where he focuses on integrated behavioral health solutions. Outside of work, Pat enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and trying every local coffee shop he can find.

 

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5003586/

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Life Coach Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Christian Counseling and Is My House Haunted Video Blog

Posted on by Mark Moran

Houses and properties can become haunted.  Christian theology accepts this reality and has ways to help individuals who are dealing with ghosts or in worst case scenarios, demonic influences.  This video takes a closer look at hauntings, how to remove them and how to avoid them.  Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  Please click here