Is it Bad to Sleep with a Bra On?

Model in mink everyday lace contour plunge with ThirdLove

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.

 

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.

 

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.