What are the Pros and Cons of Wearing a Bra to Sleep?

Ah yes, the 27-million-dollar question. Should you wear a bra to bed?

Technically, you don’t need to. When you’re lying flat, gravity pushes your breast tissue back towards your chest. And there’s no evidence that it helps breasts remain perky over time. So, if you’re wearing a bra in bed to prevent sagging, there’s really no need. Besides, you may also find it negatively impacts your sleep. But, for some women, wearing a sleep bra does help them get a good night’s sleep.

Here, we look at the pros and cons to help you make up your own mind.

Pros of wearing your bra to sleep

• Comfort

Some women just feel more comfortable covered up. If this works for you, it may help you sleep better. There are other reasons why sleeping in a bra may provide you with some extra comfort.

• Pregnancy

When pregnant, your sensitive breasts may ache and change as they grow. A soft, elasticised bra can help you feel more comfortable and supported overnight.

• Back pain relief

Wearing a bra to bed could help relieve some variations of back pain, particularly upper back pain, leading to a more restful sleep.

• Improved sleep

For many women, sleeping in a bra is a regular habit as it helps them get a better night's sleep. Many women, especially those with larger breasts, feel better when their breasts are supported by a comfortable bra.

Cons of wearing your bra to sleep

Health and medical concerns

• Circulation issues

There's a lot going on in the way of important anatomy around the chest area. If your bra is too tight, you may restrict the blood supply to your breasts and surrounding areas, which can cause arm pain or numbness.

• Skin irritation

Hooks, lace or other parts of your bra can rub, even more so when you’re tossing and turning at night. This constant rubbing on the sensitive skin around your breasts can lead to severe irritation and rashes. Ouch.

• Hyper pigmentation

Skin can become darker and appear sore if it’s under constant pressure, like that from a bra band or strap.

• Breast fungus

Excess sweat provides a breeding ground for breast fungus, an aggressive skin infection that needs medical attention. Wearing a bra to bed can magnify this risk.

• Restlessness

Skin irritation can impact sleep and cause restlessness, leading to longer-term bad sleeping patterns. Similarly, an underwired bra can have a significant effect on your quality of sleep, whether or not you realise it.

So, what’s the verdict?

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. There’s no evidence that wearing a bra to bed makes your breasts any perkier, one of the main reasons women choose to sleep in their bras. If you need a little extra boost during the day, our shapewear collection can add the oomph you’re after. At night, it might be an idea just to set your breasts free.

If you do decide to wear a bra to bed, comfort is key. So, make sure you choose a seamless, wireless sleep bra like one from the Sloggi Zero Feel range, for optimum comfort that moves with you.