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How Do I Know If I’m an Insomniac?

How Do I Know If I’m an Insomniac?

If you’re struggling with sleep regularly, you may be dealing with insomnia. Common signs include difficulty falling asleep, and waking up multiple times during the night. You may also experience non-restorative sleep, leaving you feeling tired even after a full night’s rest. Reach out to our dedicated Dr. Tony Masri, MD, and his professional team to start your journey toward restorative sleep and improved well-being. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients across the state of California including locations in Palo Alto, Orange, and San Francisco, CA.

If you're struggling with sleep regularly, you may be dealing with insomnia. Common signs include difficulty falling asleep, and waking up multiple times during the night. You may also experience non-restorative sleep, leaving you feeling tired even after a full night's rest. Reach out to our dedicated Dr. Tony Masri, MD, and his professional team to start your journey toward restorative sleep and improved well-being. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients across the state of California including locations in Palo Alto, Orange, and San Francisco, CA.
If you're struggling with sleep regularly, you may be dealing with insomnia. Common signs include difficulty falling asleep, and waking up multiple times during the night. You may also experience non-restorative sleep, leaving you feeling tired even after a full night's rest. Reach out to our dedicated Dr. Tony Masri, MD, and his professional team to start your journey toward restorative sleep and improved well-being. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients across the state of California including locations in Palo Alto, Orange, and San Francisco, CA.

Table of Contents:

What qualifies as an insomniac?
At what point are you an insomniac?
How many hours of sleep is considered insomnia?
How does insomnia treatment vary between individuals?

What qualifies as an insomniac?


Insomnia is a common sleep condition that affects many of our patients, characterized by difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, or achieving restorative sleep, despite having the opportunity to do so. It’s important to recognize that insomnia impacts not just the quantity but also the quality of sleep, often leaving individuals feeling fatigued or unrested during the day.

Criteria for Diagnosis:

For our patients at Helyx Health, diagnosing insomnia involves identifying sleep disruptions that occur at least three times a week for a minimum of three months. These disturbances should lead to significant daytime impairments, such as fatigue, irritability, mood disturbances (like depression), and difficulties with concentration, memory, or work and social performance. Notably, these symptoms should arise even when there is adequate time for sleep, distinguishing insomnia from other sleep deprivation issues.

Types of Insomnia:

We categorize insomnia into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia occurs independently, whereas secondary insomnia is linked with other health conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, medication use, or substance abuse. Our team also recognizes that situational factors such as stress, travel, or major life changes can lead to short-term insomnia, which differs from chronic insomnia due to its temporary nature.

Diagnosis Process:

At Helyx Health, diagnosing insomnia involves a thorough evaluation by our healthcare providers, which includes taking a detailed medical and sleep history. In certain cases, we may recommend sleep studies, such as polysomnography, to objectively assess your sleep patterns and rule out other sleep conditions.

Treatment Options at Helyx Health:

Our approach to managing insomnia focuses on enhancing both sleep duration and quality and improving overall daytime functioning and quality of life. If you suspect you may be experiencing insomnia, we encourage you to consult with our healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

At what point are you an insomniac?


Insomnia is not just about having trouble sleeping; it’s a persistent challenge that can affect both your physical and mental health, and we’re here to help you navigate it effectively.

Duration and Severity:

Insomnia is defined by consistent difficulty in achieving restful sleep at least three nights per week over three months or more. At Helyx Health, we classify insomnia based on how it disrupts your sleep and impacts your daily life, ranging from mild to severe. Whether you’re struggling with falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, early morning wakefulness, or non-restorative sleep, our team is equipped to assist.

Impaired Daytime Functioning:

Our approach at Helyx Health focuses on how insomnia affects your daytime activities. Patients often report fatigue, mood disturbances like irritability or depression, concentration issues, and reduced performance at work or school. Understanding these impacts helps us tailor interventions that restore your daily functioning and enhance your quality of life.

Underlying Medical or Psychiatric Conditions:

Insomnia can sometimes be a symptom of other medical or psychiatric conditions. At Helyx Health, we conduct thorough evaluations to rule out conditions such as chronic pain, thyroid disorders, anxiety, or depression. This comprehensive approach ensures that we address the root causes of your sleep difficulties, not just the symptoms.

Seeking Professional Help:

At Helyx Health, we encourage patients experiencing persistent sleep issues to seek professional help. Our medical evaluations are designed to determine if you meet the criteria for insomnia and provide guidance on appropriate, individualized treatment plans.

How many hours of sleep is considered insomnia?


Insomnia, characterized by persistent difficulties in falling or staying asleep, affects not only the quality of sleep but also an individual’s ability to function during the day. We emphasize the importance of understanding each patient’s unique sleep patterns and the specific challenges they face. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals conducts thorough evaluations to identify the symptoms of insomnia, such as frequent awakenings, early morning awakenings, and non-restorative sleep and assesses their impact on daily life.

Recognizing that insomnia is more than just a matter of sleep duration, we tailor our diagnostic and treatment strategies to address the subjective experience of our patients. Whether it’s a person who sleeps eight hours but feels fatigued or someone who sleeps less but functions optimally, our focus is on improving both the quality of sleep and overall daytime performance.

If you suspect that you are experiencing insomnia, we invite you to consult with our dedicated team at Helyx Health. We are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses the root causes of sleep disturbances and supports your journey to better sleep and health.

How does insomnia treatment vary between individuals?


At Helyx Health, our approach to insomnia treatment is rooted in a personalized and integrative philosophy, ensuring that every patient’s unique needs and circumstances are thoroughly considered. Recognizing the complexity of insomnia, our practice emphasizes a comprehensive assessment strategy that evaluates each individual’s sleep patterns, lifestyle, and any underlying psychological or medical conditions contributing to their sleep challenges.

Holistic Assessment and Underlying Causes: At Helyx Health, we prioritize identifying the root causes of insomnia, whether they are medical, psychological, or environmental. Our team is adept at tailoring treatment plans that address specific causes, such as chronic pain or stress, ensuring that each strategy is aligned with the patient’s overall health needs.

Addressing Coexisting Conditions: Our practice is equipped to manage insomnia that coexists with other health issues, such as thyroid issues or mental health conditions. By providing a coordinated treatment approach, we aim to improve both sleep quality and overall well-being.

Managing Severity and Chronicity: We tailor our interventions based on the severity and duration of insomnia. For some, lifestyle modifications and brief interventions may suffice, while others with chronic insomnia may benefit from a more intensive and multifaceted approach.

Long-Term Health Goals: Our focus is not only on immediate relief but also on sustainable long-term outcomes. We encourage the development of healthy sleep habits that can be maintained over time, promoting long-term sleep health and overall quality of life.

Consideration of Medical History and Cultural Factors: We carefully consider each patient’s medical history and any potential contraindications to treatments. Additionally, we respect cultural and social factors that may influence treatment preferences, ensuring our care is culturally sensitive and respectful.

Lifestyle and Integrative Approaches: Our emphasis on lifestyle modifications includes guidance on improving sleep hygiene, establishing consistent sleep schedules, and managing dietary factors. When appropriate, we explore alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements, under professional guidance to complement traditional treatments. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients across the state of California including locations in Palo Alto, Orange, and San Francisco, CA. We serve patients from San Francisco CA, Orange CA, Palo Alto CA, Menlo Park CA, Stanford CA, Santa Ana CA, Tustin CA, Oakland CA, Emeryville CA, and surrounding areas.

Locations to Helyx Health Serving California

San Francisco, CA

  • 465 California St, Suite 660, San Francisco, CA 94104
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Palo Alto, CA

  • 518 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301
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San Orange, CA

  • 500 North State College Blvd. Suite 1100 Orange, CA 92868
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