Bras At Bedtime: Unhooked And Unhealthy

There are many opinions about whether or not to wear a bra to sleep. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. Some women find that wearing a bra to bed helps limit breast movement and makes tossing and turning more comfortable. It can also be helpful for women with sensitive breasts, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, others find it uncomfortable and restrictive. While there is no medical evidence that wearing a bra to bed is better or worse for your breasts, it's important to choose a bra that is comfortable and fits well if you decide to wear one to sleep.

It's a myth that wearing a bra to sleep causes breast cancer

It is a common misconception that wearing a bra to sleep causes breast cancer. This idea was popularised by the 1995 book *Dressed to Kill* by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, which claims that women who wear underwire bras for 12 hours a day have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer. However, this claim is not supported by scientific evidence.

Well-designed studies have failed to find a link between wearing a bra to bed and an increased risk of breast cancer. A 2014 study published in *Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention* found no evidence of a connection between the number of hours spent wearing a bra or wearing an underwire bra and increased breast cancer risk. This study involved interviewing over 1,000 women with breast cancer and almost 500 without about their lifetime bra-wearing patterns.

The American Cancer Society states that there is no evidence that compression of the lymph nodes by bras causes breast cancer. Body fluids travel up and into the underarm lymph nodes, not towards the underwire. Additionally, there is no sufficient evidence that going braless will help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

While it is a myth that wearing a bra to sleep causes breast cancer, it is important to choose a comfortable bra that is not too tight if you do choose to wear one to bed. A lightweight, wireless bra or bralette made from soft and flexible materials is generally recommended for sleeping.

A tight bra can negatively impact your sleep quality

While there is no medical evidence that sleeping in a bra is harmful, a tight bra can negatively impact your sleep quality. If you are thinking of wearing a bra to sleep, it is important to choose a bra that is best for bedtime. A tight bra can cause skin irritation and restrict circulation, leading to disrupted sleep.

Skin irritation

Those with sensitive skin might find that wearing a tight bra overnight can cause skin irritation or chafing, just like any other tight item of clothing. Bra straps that cut into the shoulders can also be uncomfortable.

Restricted circulation

A bra that is too tight may inhibit circulation and cause discomfort. If you experience stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders from wearing a bra all day, taking the bra off to sleep may bring welcome relief.

What to do

If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that is comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. Purchase new bras whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself to determine your bra size or ask for help at a lingerie store.

For the best experience with your sleep bra, consider the following:

• Choose a gentle fabric: Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your skin. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
• Consider a shelf bra: Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
• Skip the underwire: Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
• Wear a clean bra: Don't wear a bra you've worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly.

It's a myth that wearing a bra while sleeping causes sagging breasts

It is a common misconception that wearing a bra while sleeping causes breasts to sag. In reality, there is no medical evidence to support this claim. The decision to wear a bra to bed is a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Breast sagging, or ptosis, occurs naturally as a result of ageing and the stretching of ligaments that support the breasts over time. While wearing a bra during the day or while exercising may provide support and help reduce sagging, it is not necessary to wear one while sleeping. In fact, some sources suggest that wearing a bra to bed can be uncomfortable and restrict skin breathing and blood circulation.

It is worth noting that the type of bra worn during the day can also impact breast sagging. A well-fitting, comfortable bra made from soft, flexible materials is generally recommended. Underwire bras, for example, may cut into the skin or press down on the lymphatic system, causing issues such as skin irritation and breast inflammation.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a bra while sleeping is a personal choice. There is no evidence that it will make a significant difference in breast sagging, and comfort should be the priority.

If you're pregnant, wearing a bra while sleeping may help ease pain

Whether or not to wear a bra to sleep is a personal decision that depends on what makes you feel comfortable. If you're pregnant, wearing a bra while sleeping may help ease pain and discomfort.

During pregnancy, your breasts start to change as your body prepares for lactation. They may begin to enlarge, and your pre-pregnancy bras will likely feel tight and uncomfortable. Tight bras can put too much pressure on your breasts, making them sore or even plugging ducts. This can lead to blocked ducts and mastitis, so it's important to wear comfortable bras, especially in the later months of pregnancy and early months of breastfeeding.

Maternity bras are designed specifically for pregnant women, offering more support for your growing breasts. They usually have wider, more padded straps to ease the pain and discomfort you may experience during your pregnancy. The cups are also more pliable, changing to fit your body as your pregnancy progresses.

Wearing a soft, elasticised bra during pregnancy can help you feel more comfortable and supported overnight. It can prevent your breasts from rubbing against the fabric as you sleep, and it can also be convenient if you need to move around at night to feed your baby. Additionally, a bra with wide straps will help distribute the weight of your growing breasts across your shoulders, providing relief from back and shoulder pain.

When choosing a bra to sleep in during pregnancy, opt for one that is loose, soft, and flexible, without underwire or hooks that can dig into your skin. Cotton is a good fabric choice as it is light, breathable, and comfortable. You may also want to consider investing in multiple maternity bras in different sizes, as your breast size may change throughout your pregnancy.

It's a myth that wearing a bra while sleeping prevents breast growth

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the idea of wearing a bra to bed. One of these is the idea that wearing a bra while sleeping prevents breast growth. However, this is a myth, and there is no scientific proof to support this claim.

The idea that bras can restrict blood flow and therefore the growth of breast tissue is not backed by any conclusive scientific studies. It is important to note that a properly fitted bra should not be uncomfortable or restrict blood flow. Additionally, when lying down to sleep, gravity pushes the breasts back into the chest, and a bra has no effect in this position.

The decision to wear a bra to bed ultimately comes down to personal preference and comfort. For women with larger breasts, wearing a bra to bed may provide additional support and ease discomfort, while those with smaller breasts may prefer to go braless to avoid the constraints of a bra. It is worth noting that a tight bra can cause skin irritation and affect sleep quality, so if you choose to wear a bra to bed, ensure it is comfortable, well-fitting, and wire-free.

Furthermore, wearing a bra to bed does not impact the risk of breast cancer or the chances of getting saggy breasts. However, a tight bra can increase core body temperature and decrease melatonin levels, affecting sleep quality. Additionally, a dirty or ill-fitting bra can lead to skin irritation, infection, and restricted circulation. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a bra that is comfortable, clean, and fits well to avoid these potential issues.

Frequently asked questions