Sleep and Sjögren’s: Understanding the Connection

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder best known for causing dry eyes and dry mouth, but it can also affect nearly every part of daily life—including sleep. Many people with Sjögren’s report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up unrefreshed. Poor sleep, in turn, can worsen fatigue and pain, creating a frustrating cycle.

Why Sleep Is Often Disrupted in Sjögren’s

1. Dryness at Night
   The hallmark dryness of Sjögren’s doesn’t stop at bedtime. Dry eyes can cause irritation and a burning sensation that makes it difficult to keep them closed comfortably. A dry mouth may cause frequent waking to sip water, and some people even report sore throats or coughing triggered by nighttime dryness.

2. Pain and Discomfort
   Joint pain, muscle aches, and nerve pain—common in autoimmune conditions—can make it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. Even mild discomfort can lead to restless tossing and turning.

3. Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems
   Research shows that people with Sjögren’s may be at higher risk for sleep apnea. Enlarged salivary glands, nasal dryness, or systemic inflammation can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. Sleep apnea fragments sleep cycles and leaves people feeling exhausted, even after a full night in bed.

4. Fatigue and Insomnia Cycle
   Chronic fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of Sjögren’s. Unfortunately, fatigue and insomnia often feed into each other—poor sleep worsens fatigue, while fatigue makes it harder to feel rested no matter how much you sleep.

Strategies for Better Sleep with Sjögren’s

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, these strategies may help:

• Moisture Support: Use a bedside humidifier, keep artificial tears and a water bottle handy, or consider specialized overnight eye gels and mouth-moisturizing products.

• Sleep Positioning: Elevating the head slightly can reduce airway obstruction and may help with reflux, which can also be more common in autoimmune conditions.

• Pain Management: A consistent regimen for managing pain (whether through medications, gentle stretching, or heat therapy) before bed can make sleep more comfortable.

• Screening for Sleep Apnea: If you snore, wake up choking, or still feel exhausted despite adequate hours of sleep, a sleep study may help identify treatable breathing issues.

• Bedtime Routine: Practicing good sleep hygiene—dimming lights, limiting screens, and sticking to consistent sleep/wake times—can support better quality rest.

The Bigger Picture

Because Sjögren’s affects multiple systems in the body, sleep challenges can be complex. A multidisciplinary approach—working with rheumatologists, sleep specialists, and sometimes dentists or ophthalmologists—can provide the most comprehensive care.

Quality sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of managing chronic illness. For people living with Sjögren’s, addressing sleep problems can help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and enhance daily functioning.