Is it Bad to Sleep with a Bra On?

Our team of Fit Stylists is here to help you find bras that feel like they were made for you. We’ve worked with thousands of women to find their perfect fit, so we’re sharing some of our best advice here.

 

Sleeping in Your Bra: Common Myths

It’s time to settle this debate once and for all: to wear or not to wear a bra to bed. When it comes to sleeping with a bra on, rumors abound. Some say it prevents sagging. (It doesn’t.) Others say it’s bad for your health. (It depends.) And Marilyn Monroe was reported to have slept in a bra every night. (Only Marilyn knows for sure.) Let’s debunk some common bra-related myths!

• Wearing a bra at night causes or prevents sagging.
  These are both myths! Just as your body changes throughout your life, so do your breasts. Your breasts can sag for a variety of reasons such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, and more. Wearing a supportive bra in the right size can help you feel comfortable and prevent back and shoulder pain, but sleeping in one will neither cause nor prevent sagging.
• Sleeping in your bra stops breast tissue growth.
  There are several rumors claiming that wearing a bra restricts blood circulation and prevents breast growth. This is a complete myth and there is no science to back up the claim that bras impact breast size.
• Wearing a bra when sleeping causes breast cancer.
  This is completely false! There is absolutely no connection between bras and breast cancer.
• Sleeping in a bra is bad for your health.
  This one can be true, depending on your bra. There’s a lot of ground to cover here, so keep reading to learn more.
• Wearing a bra to sleep will stunt growth. Here is another myth for the pile. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim. Breast development is determined by genetics, hormones, and overall health, not your night attire. In reality, a properly fitting bra should not impede growth or circulation. While opting for a looser bralette or going braless at night might be more comfortable, sleeping with a bra on will not stunt your breasts’ growth.

 

Is Sleeping in Your Bra Bad For Your Health?

The short answer: no, but it can be. To get a professional opinion, we spoke with Navya Mysore, MD, Medical Director at One Medical Group. Dr. Mysore explained that the connective tissue in breast tissue naturally loosens over time (aka sagging) which can be combatted by wearing a bra during the day. However, bedtime is a different story.

“At night, our breast tissue doesn’t have the gravitational pull as we are lying down, so we don’t need to wear a bra for prevention reasons,” she said.

Not only is it unnecessary, but sleeping in a tight bra can also cause the following issues, according to Dr. Mysore:

• Skin irritation and indentations
• Restricted breathing and blood flow
• Worsened symptoms of acid reflux

That’s why it’s important to be sure you’re not wearing a bra that’s restrictive. To make sure your bra isn’t too tight, you should be able to slip two fingers between the band and your ribcage.

“Overall wearing a bra at night doesn’t help with preventing breast tissue from sagging and it can hinder in many ways, including reducing your sleep quality,” Dr. Mysore said. Moral of the story: let ‘em loose! Your breasts will thank you. And if you want additional support while sleeping, choose a comfortable bra that won’t interrupt your slumber.

 

Pros Vs. Cons of Wearing a Bra to Bed

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: is sleeping with a bra on bad? Here, we break down the pros and cons to help you decide about sleeping in a bra.

Pros:

1. Support for larger breasts. Women with larger breasts may find that wearing a bra to bed provides gentle support, reducing discomfort and preventing excessive movement during sleep.
2. Reduced nipple irritation during movement. If you tend to toss and turn at night, a bra can help keep your breasts in place, reducing the friction against the fabrics. Friction is a common reason for nipple pain, and wearing a bra to sleep can help reduce it.
3. Protects lactating breasts. Let’s face it – full or swollen breasts can be painful, especially as you change position or move during sleep. Wearing a bra while sleeping can help hold nursing pads in place, reduce nipple chafing, and support the structure of your breasts.
4. Post-surgical support for women recovering from breast surgery. After certain surgeries, it is essential to keep your breasts compressed. Wearing a bra to bed can offer necessary support and help in the healing process.
5. Personal comfort. Some women feel more comfortable and secure with a bra on, even in their sleep. If it makes you feel good, who’s to say you’re wrong?

Cons:

1. Discomfort and irritation. Tight bras can dig into your skin and cause irritation, redness, and those annoying indentations on your skin. Think of it as a nagging reminder of your bra’s presence when trying to get your beauty sleep.
2. Restricted circulation. Wearing a bra can often feel restrictive at any time of the day. But wearing a bra that is too snug or has an underwire when sleeping can altogether reduce some of your circulation for the entire time you’re sleeping. 
3. Reduced sleep quality. Anything restrictive can interfere with your ability to have a restful night. That may include your bra if it is constraining.

So, is it good to wear a bra to sleep? The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on your comfort and choice of bra. The best bra to sleep in is one that provides gentle support without compromising your comfort.

 

What Type of Bra Should You Wear to Bed?

Although most typically prefer sleeping without a bra, those with larger breasts might find lightweight structure beneficial, especially if they toss and turn while sleeping. For nighttime support that won’t interrupt your sleep, choose a comfortable wireless style that’s soft and moves with you. Here are some key features to look out for when choosing an ultra-cozy sleep bra:

• Wireless
• Lightweight
• Pull on style with no fastenings (like a lightweight sports bra)
• Seamless cups
• Stretchy cotton or moisture wicking fabrics

If you feel more comfortable with extra support at night, make sure that you choose a comfortable, seamless, and tagless wireless bra for maximum comfort.

Need help finding your perfect sleep bra? Contact our expert team of Fit Stylists for help.

With additional reporting by Cathy Bishop.

 

Finding the Best Fitting Bra for You

Finding a well-fitting bar is crucial for both comfort and breast health, especially one that might be comfortable enough to sleep in. 

Understanding your size is the first step in finding a bra that fits well. Many women wear the wrong bra size without realizing it, which can lead to discomfort and inadequate support. Get measured by a professional, or use our online Fitting Room to get your accurate size. 

Consider the different styles appropriate for your bra needs. You might prefer a wireless bra or bralette with light support for sleeping. By understanding the bra style options, you can make a more informed decision about what bra best suits you. Pay attention to the fabric, as it can significantly impact your comfort. Think of your activities. Is it a piece for workouts or special occasions? However, comfort should be your top priority at the end of the day (or night).