If you are reading this at 3am you already know what we are talking about - the modern phenomena of “sleep interrupted” is affecting everyone of all ages and sexes. It's caused by too much stimulation, stress and not preparing for sleep properly. We all know to dim the lights 20 minutes prior to falling asleep, to practice mediative breathing, don’t eat or drink stimulants and look at our blue screens on phones and tablets. Yet, we're still not practicing any of these behaviours. Perhaps we need some motivation?

Interrupted sleep and sleep deprivation have huge effects on the skin and can affect each of us a little differently than each other. When we are asleep the whole body including the skin, our largest organ, goes into a repair cycle. While we sleep our skin works hardest, during the sleep cycle the skin is supposed to repair from the ravages of daytime activity and our metabolic rate is increased to detox and rejuvenate the skin cells at their deepest levels. When this doesn't happen the skin becomes sluggish, devitalised and dehydrated. When normal circulation is slowed we start to see dark circles and puffiness appear around the eye area. This is made worse if your sleep is being interrupted by alcohol and sugar as the waste removal organs (the liver and kidneys) are working overtime. The eye area is a greater indicator to the effects of these organs.

If you are not sleeping from stress and you hold your breath or breathe very shallowly you will often see skin reaction on the cheeks. You can see everything from increased redness to breakout and congestion. If you are a jaw clencher you'll most likely see breakouts under the jaw line and along the teeth line. Jaw clenchers tend have stimulated androgen levels - a hormone that can thicken oil, which in turn evolves into acne.

But rest assured, there are plenty of things that you can do to help compensate and protect your skin from the negative effects of lack of sleep. Alongside adopting some better sleep practices mentioned above, the skincare industry is also here to help.

Product recommendations:

DERMALOGICA Sound Sleep Cocoon
This revitalising treatment gel-cream transforms skin overnight by optimising night time skin recovery. Tamarind seed extract creates a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin while encapsulated, motion-activated French lavender essential oil work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning.

LA PRAIRIE Skin Caviar Sleep mask
Remastered with this new caviar incarnation, this mask brushes on smoothly, melting instantly into the skin where it works its lifting and firming magic overnight. A blend of botanical extracts and active ingredients nourishes, improves texture and helps skin’s natural purification process.

MURAD City Skin Overnight Detox moisturiser
This breakthrough formula, with super-charged antioxidants from marrubium plant stem cells neutralises pollutants and strengthens the skin’s barrier while you sleep. Next generation vitamin C helps brighten and even tone, while nourishing botanicals plump skin to help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Salon treatment recommendations:

DERMALOGICA Pro Power Peel treatment
Ideal for all skin types for treating ageing skin, acne, or skin discolouration caused by blemishes or sun-damage. This peel can be tailored for each concern in each area of the face. This treatment is particularly great if you have breakouts or sluggishness.

LA PRAIRIE Cellular Platinum Rare treatment
A treatment of pure luxury, this platinum facial delivers the ultimate in skin rejuvenation by balancing and recharging the skin to ensure it glows with inner luminosity.

MURAD Environmental Defense treatment
A combination of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C to target and reverse signs of environmental ageing, with a powerful soothing infusion mask to strengthen the skin's barrier function, help reduce redness, minimise sensitivity and lock in moisture. This treatment is particularly great if your skin is feeling a little dull, or you're noticing lines and wrinkles or congestions.