The Tribune

When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?

Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.

Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr Thompson emphasises that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.

“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”

But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.

Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you

Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States alone deal with it at some point in their lives.

Common causes include:

• Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle

• Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer

• Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache

• Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue

• Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts

• Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight

“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”

A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.

If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:

• Holds nursing pads in place

• Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria

• Reduces nipple chafing

• Supports the structure of your breasts

Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.

Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.

“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”

Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.

Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:

• Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt

• The fabric of your pajama top or sheets

• A sleep bra that’s too loose

Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.

It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:

• Decrease fluid collection

• Minimize pain

• Hold gauze and drains in place

“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”

Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.

“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”

Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on

Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.

A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:

• Dirty

• Too tight

• Too loose

“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”

Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.

Tips for wearing a bra to bed

If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.

For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:

• Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. 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 — after every two or three wears.

Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.