Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital reopening its sleep lab in McMinnville to provide local diagnostic testing and treatment for people experiencing sleep disorders.
President Eric Paul said patients in the region had faced waits of up to six months for sleep services. The new two-room lab offers overnight in-lab studies, home testing and pediatric evaluations for patients as young as six.
“The return of the sleep lab is a direct response to what we’ve heard from our community,” Paul said. “We have made it a priority to bring this service back locally, helping patients avoid long travel distances or months of waiting for care.”
Paul said the hospital established the lab to fill a gap in sleep services available locally. The facility operates under the medical direction of Dr. Reed LaHaye and can monitor brain activity, heart rhythm and oxygen levels during evaluations.
“Sleep problems are common, but they shouldn’t be something people simply learn to live with,” LaHaye said. “A sleep evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to symptoms such as snoring, disrupted sleep or excessive daytime fatigue.”
LaHaye said testing can help identify conditions including obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. The hospital said undiagnosed sleep conditions can be associated with health issues including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
“With the sleep lab back in McMinnville, patients can have access to diagnostic services and individualized care recommendations closer to home,” LaHaye said.
LaHaye said people experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue or morning headaches can consult with their primary care clinicians to determine whether a referral for sleep testing is appropriate.