How many times have you heard the old wives’ tale that sleeping in a bra slows breast growth, causes breast cancer, or prevents sagging breasts?
But contrary to popular belief, there is no medical evidence that sleeping in a bra is bad. Depending on your breast size, sleeping in a bra can limit breast movement, reduce breast pain, and help you sleep more comfortably.
In addition to chest size, it is preferred. When deciding whether or not to sleep in a bra and how to choose the right bra, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Is it okay to sleep in a bra?
There are no professional studies that show any negative effects of sleeping in a bra. In fact, women with large breasts who tend to move around a lot at night can benefit from a structured bra.
“Some women have sore, lumpy breasts, and wearing a soft bra to bed can help limit breast movement while they sleep,” says Dr. Regina Hampton, a breast surgeon and founder of Breast Care in Washington, D.C.
This also applies to people with breast implants. “Sleeping in a bra is more beneficial if it’s a soft bra that doesn’t cut off circulation,” says Terri Ann Samuels, MD, founder of Essentially You. “This will allow the implant to be lifted for a longer period of time.”
Does sleeping in a bra prevent sagging breasts?
Loose bras are caused by gravity and aging factors, and over time, the breasts will sag, which is perfectly normal. Wearing a bra to sleep won’t help prevent this.
Cooper’s ligaments, the ligaments that support the nipple, stretch over time, causing the nipple to sag.
Common causes of sagging breasts
Genetics. Skin elasticity, breast size, and tissue density all play a role in how your breasts look.
Gravity. Gravity can take its toll over time.
Body habit. Regular weight gain and loss can lead to loss of flexibility.
Hormonal changes during menopause. During menopause, estrogen levels drop and breast tissue loses elasticity.
Pregnancy and lactation. As the breasts enlarge during pregnancy, the breast tissue is more likely to stretch and the ligaments become looser.
Smoking. Nicotine in cigarette smoke breaks down elastin in the body, causing the skin to sag.
Exercise without support. High-intensity exercise without a proper bra can cause breasts to bounce and ligaments to weaken over time.
“If you want to reduce the rate at which your breasts move forward, exercise your pectoral muscles,” says bra fitter Jasmine Jones, owner of Cherry Blossom Intimates in Glenarden, Maryland.
Exercises to prevent sagging breasts
thrust
chest pressure
dumbbell pullover
travel board
chest fly
Cobra pose
Are there any side effects to sleeping in a bra?
Just as there are no benefits to sleeping in a bra, there are no negative consequences to sleeping in a bra.
“There is no published data that suggests sleeping with a bra has any adverse effects, such as breast cancer, poor circulation, or stunted breast growth,” Samuels said.
If there’s any reason for concern, don’t wear bras that are too tight or dig into your skin, which can cause skin irritation or sleep disturbances.
“Make sure the bra fits properly under your breasts and prevents issues like yeast infections that can cause skin contact,” says Hampton.
Sports bras aren’t better or worse for sleeping, but this problem is more common when sports bras don’t fit.
Finally, like any garment that comes close to your skin, bras often accumulate tons of sweat, oil, and bacteria. Wash regularly to prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
How to sleep in a bra
If you plan to sleep in a bra, choose something looser, softer, and more flexible than what you wear during the day.
“If you wear underwire during the day, you might want to look for a wireless bra,” says Hampton. “Make sure it fits well so it’s as good as your day bra.”
“The bra should fit against the chest wall, place both breasts inside the cup, and the back hook should be over the second hook … and the strap should be strapped,” Jones said. tailored to your body,” he says.
Cotton bras are always a good choice as they are breathable. Jones offers three customer favorites that can be purchased online:
Curvy Couture Cotton Luxe Wire-Free
Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra
Okko Signature bra
Most importantly
There is no evidence indicating that tnegative health effects from sleeping in a bra.
In fact, sleeping in a bra may be beneficial for women with larger breasts who may experience discomfort from breast movement throughout the night.
That being said, choosing to wear a bra at night comes down to preference.