Meet the Sleep Lab Leadership Team
As the Sleep Lab Leadership Team, our role is to spread awareness about the importance of sleep health.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
(Sadeka Tamanna) I am the sleep lab director and service chief for Sleep. I am board certified in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine both. Serving sick and provide a comprehensive care is my goal.
(Karla Thompson) I am a mother to two girls, ages 9 and 11. I am a lifelong Mississippian—originally from Terry--and I currently live in Florence, MS. I have worked in sleep since 2008. I am licensed as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist and also have a Certification in Clinical Sleep Health. I graduated from Millsaps College with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies a long time ago.
Tell me how you came to work at the VA?
(Tamanna) I joined VA in February of 2010 as sleep lab medical director. This sleep lab was not nationally accredited then. A board-certified sleep medicine specialist was required to run the sleep lab meeting national standard and accreditation.
(Thompson) My sister—who works as an NP here—suggested that I apply as she felt that my skills and passion for sleep would be beneficial to our Veterans.
How long have you worked for VA, and what roles have you had at the VA?
(Tamanna) I have worked for 12 years in VA. I had to wear many hats since my employment here since I was the only physician running this department. I served as the lab director, supervised all employee of the sleep lab since there was not any technical manager. I also serve as attending physician on the medical ward few months a year where I teach residents and fellows.
(Thompson) I have worked at the VA since 2014. I started in the Sleep Lab here as a tech and was promoted to Sleep Lab Supervisor in 2020. Fun fact—Dr. Tamanna was a sleep fellow there when I started.
How does serving Veterans each day impact you personally?
(Tamanna) Sleep is a major deficit area for the veterans and it is linked to many of their diseases. Their sleep, nightmares and breathing difficulties touch me deeply. I try to provide a whole health approach to improve their quality of life.
(Thompson) I have several family members and friends who have served in the military.
What do you do for fun?
(Tamanna) I love talking to veterans and employees to know them personally and walk around the hall so that I can see some more people.
(Thompson) I have many hobbies, but I am most passionate about travel. I also love reading and spending time with my family.
What do you do for fun?
(Tamanna) I love gardening and try to learn more.
Are you a Veteran? If so, what branch of service.
(Tamanna) I am not a Veteran, but I respect them for their service.
The Sleep Lab is located on the second floor of the Medical Center. We currently offer home sleep testing, overnight sleep studies, overnight oximetry, actigraphy and day studies for narcolepsy. Veterans may see providers via face-to-face, VVC, or CVT appointments in their local CBOC. Our hours of operation are Monday-Fridays from 8am-4:30pm while the overnight clinic operates Tuesday-Thursday nights.
Veterans who are new to the Sleep Lab should have their Primary Care Provider submit a consult along with a copy of their previous sleep study—if they are currently using a Pap machine.
Veterans who see providers face-to-face have appointments in Module G. Veterans who have appointments with sleep technologists for machine checks, setups, or mask fittings check in with our clerk who is located in L-242.
Veterans may contact the Sleep Lab at 601-362-4471x55620.