We know there a lot of literature already available on this topic and you would have already read of them. But, did you reach a conclusion, whether to sleep with your bra on or sleep without a bra? Well, we know you have still not sure. Let’s see what our experts and the people we talked to tell us about the sleeping in a bra or without one.
Many people say that sleeping in a bra can stunt growth of the breast, cause breast cancer, or alternatively, prevent breasts from sagging. And this is where the confusion seeps in – whether to sleep in a bra or without one.
There is a ton of research on this topic by various agencies, companies, and independent researchers. And interestingly, there is no medical evidence indicating that it’s bad to sleep with a bra on.
Some women find it difficult and uncomfortable to sleep with their bra on. Depending on the size of your breast, sleeping in a bra can limit breast movement, which can help alleviate breast pain and lead to more comfortable sleep.
Even we leave the breast size aside, it really comes down to preference of the individual. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to sleep with your bra on and how to choose the right bra for sleeping in if you wish to sleep with your bra on.
Is it OK to Sleep with a Bra On?
As we said there is no medical evidence indicating that there are any negative effects from sleeping with a bra. Rather, it is suggested that women with larger breasts who experience significant movement at night may benefit from a bra’s structured fit. As it allows them to keep their breasts in place while they can sleep comfortably.
For women with breast implants find it more comfortable to sleep with their bra on as it can give them more support to their breast. It is important to keep in mind that you choose a bra that is soft and doesn’t cuts your blood circulation.
Does Sleeping in a Bra Prevent Your Breasts from Sagging?
Well, that’s a myth. Age and other factors will take their toll not only on hair, skin, but also on your and breasts. Just like other body parts your breasts will naturally sag over time – and that’s completely normal. Wearing any kind of bra to sleep to avoid your breast sagging doesn’t really help. If we talk in medical terms, then you should know that the Cooper’s ligaments, also known as suspensory ligaments (the ligaments that support your breasts), stretch over time, leading to breast sagging.
Common Reasons that Breasts May Sag
- Genetics: Traits like skin elasticity, breast size, and tissue density can play a role in how your breasts may look over time.
- Gravity: Gravity can take a toll over time.
- Body Habits: Constantly gaining and losing weight can cause loss of elasticity.
- Hormonal Changes During Menopause: Menopause brings in a decrease in estrogen, which can cause breast tissue to lose elasticity.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Since the breasts grow during pregnancy, there’s a higher chance the breast tissue will stretch and the ligaments will become loose. A lot of women experience that and that’s completely normal.
- Smoking: The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes elastin to break down in the body, which causes skin to droop.
- Exercise without Support: High-impact workouts without a properly supportive bra cause breasts to bounce and the ligaments to loosen over time. So, while workout wear a good supportive bra.
Exercising your pectoral muscles helps you keep your breast in shape for a longer time. Some exercises like pushups, chest press, dumbbell pullover, traveling plank, chest fly, Cobra Pose, etc., can help prevent sagging breasts.
Are There Any Side Effects from Sleeping in a Bra?
Just like there are no major benefits to sleeping with a bra, there are also no major negative consequences to sleeping with your bran on. Even there is no medical proof indicating that there is any detriment to sleeping in a bra, such as breast cancer effects, bad blood circulation, or stunted breast growth.
Though there a few things which you need to take in consideration if you choose sleep with your bra on. Your bra, in which you are going to sleep shouldn’t be too tight or digging into your skin, or it can cause skin irritation and disrupt your sleep. Also, choose your bra that is breathable and soft on skin. Though many women have said that they don’t want to sleep with padded and wired bras. But, they like to sleep with their bra on which are comfortable, soft and let them sleep comfortably.
Some women say that they don’t want to sleep with their sports bra on as it is tight fitting and disrupts their sleep. Also, it is important to keep in mind that you should only wear clean bra and underwear to avoid skin issues like irritation and acne on your skin.
How to Sleep with Your Bra On?
If you’re opting to sleep with a bra, make sure you choose something looser, softer, and more flexible than what you normally wear during the day.
The gore of the bra should lay flat against the chest wall with both breasts sitting inside the cups, the back hook should be on the second hook, and the straps should be adjusted to accommodate your body. This will give you comfortable sleep with your bra on. A bra with cotton fabric is always a good choice because it’s breathable. Though many women have found it irritating on their skins if they sleep in nylon bras.
Summary
There’s no medical report or research that indicates any negative health effects from sleeping in a bra. In fact, sleeping in a bra may be beneficial for women with larger breasts who might experience discomfort from breast movement throughout the night. That being said, choosing to wear a bra at night comes down to individual’s preference and if you choose to sleep with your bra on then choose a comfortable, soft and non-padded, non-wired bra.
