It's a life-long question that sparks many debates: should you sleep in a bra at night? There are many myths and tales about leaving your bra on as you sleep, and many women are left a little confused as to what is right or wrong. Some deem sleeping in a bra downright bizarre, whereas others swear by it, each with reasons for their choice.
So, whether you want freedom or stay strapped for the night, I'm here to clarify the facts and fiction about sleeping in your bra. We're going to discuss all the arguments of how bras keep everything in place, tighten muscles or prevent growth - whatever you've heard, we're here to clear it all up for you to make the decision.
The myths of wearing a bra to bed
We've all heard the horror stories of wearing a bra to bed and the claims that nighttime bra-wearing is the secret behind icon Marilyn Monroe's famous figure. Some beliefs wearing a bra to bed can:
- Lift the chest muscles naturally and prevent sagging as you age
- Improve body posture
- Offer orthopaedic back support
- Prevent spinal and back pain
The other side of the argument of those who choose a bra-free night's rest separates the women community as they claim to sleep with your bra on can:
- Cause restlessness and discomfort
- Restrict blood flow, potentially leading to health problems
- Cause hyperpigmentation, including dark spots and uneven skin tone
- Lead to skin irritation across the chest
There are clear arguments on both sides, leading to a long-lasting worldwide debate about the correct sleeping method: bra or no bra. Fear not; we're not just going to leave you to contemplate both arguments, a little confused about what to do. We said we would set the record straight, which we intend to do.
The facts about wearing a bra to bed
So, we have clear advantages and disadvantages of wearing your bra through the night - but which one wins? Here are the answers to a few common FAQs:
Does sleeping in a bra prevent breast growth?
There is no medical evidence that sleeping in a bra restricts breast growth; therefore, young women should not fear falling asleep in one. However, if you are going to sleep in a bra, you may prefer a wireless or sports bra, as these will be more comfortable and less restrictive. This is something to bear in mind, as wearing an ill-fitting bra can result in health problems such as poor posture, back and neck pain. With an estimated 80% of women wearing the wrong bra size, and 70% of those wearing too-small bras, it's important to ensure you get measured to ensure your nighttime bra isn't too constricting!
Should you wear a bra to bed when pregnant?
It's no secret that your body changes when you become pregnant and again after the baby is born. So, if extra support keeps you more comfortable at night, then there is little harm in doing so. We'd recommend trying out a maternity bra, specifically a sleep maternity bra, for extra comfort! However, it is far from a must for all expectant mums.
Does wearing a bra at night prevent sagging?
In short, no. As Dr Seth Ranking, founder of the private GP chain London Doctors Clinic, recently told Cosmopolitan:
"Let's think about this from a scientific point of view. Sagging is caused by the downward pull of gravity on the mass of your breasts. That's why bigger breasts sag more, as there's more fat within the tissue for gravity to work on.
"When you're lying down flat, the effect of gravity pushes the breast tissue back towards your chest instead of down towards your toes. So, wearing a bra (ultimately to support breasts from below) is essentially redundant in bed, as breasts naturally compress back onto the chest."
There is no scientific evidence that wearing a bra at night improves posture or muscle lifting or acts as an orthopaedic aid to your back.
Many reasons behind wearing a bra at night are based on ideas and implications with no solid evidence to support them. The bottom line is that bras are incredibly uncomfortable for many women, and with no concrete evidence to suggest wearing a bra through the night can benefit you in any way; it makes little sense to put up with the restlessness of wearing your bra as you sleep.
What are some benefits of going braless at night?
Here are some facts that can support the concept of not wearing a bra at night and put this debate to bed (pun intended) once and for all! Professor Robert Mansel of Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales and Simon Cawthroth, Frenchay Hospital, conducted a study proving that women who live bra-free are less likely to have breast cancer, suggesting that wearing a bra at night can cause health implications.
As the facts support a bra-free sleep to benefit your health, we recommend leaving the bra for the daytime and enjoying a comfortable night's sleep! Ditch the myth of bra-sleeping enhancing your breast muscles and opt for a more health-conscious method. If you're worried about back pain and posture, check out a high-quality mattress, such as an orthopaedic or memory foam mattress, and thank us later - say goodbye to restlessness, discomfort and skin irritation!
