When you suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome, using an air conditioner at night that faces you can cause extra dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin when you wake up and may cause further complications. For instance you may wake up with a severe headache because your nasal passages are so dry and difficulty seeing because your eyes are so dry. If you sleep with your mouth open, you could end up with a dry mouth and dry throat as well. Sjogren's Syndrome can cause tooth decay from dry mouth on it's own, extra dryness from sleeping with a running air conditioner facing you can cause further tooth decay and sore throats.
What can people with Sjogren's Syndrome do in the summer to avoid further dryness from air conditioners? Using a humidifier at night can help add moisture into the air and aid in the eyes, nose, mouth and skin from becoming extra dry. Adjusting the air conditioner so that the air flow flows away from you, especially at night, can really make a difference in the dryness symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome. Using an eye mask when sleeping with the air conditioner running will help protect the eyes from getting dried out.
As always with Sjogren's Syndrome, it is important to use moisturizing eye drops, a moisturizing mouth wash and saline nasal drops throughout the day in addition to a moisturizing lotion if you suffer from dry skin as well. Keeping hydrated is also a good way to help lessen the effects of air conditioning on Sjogren's symptoms.