Why You Should Never Wear A Bra To Bed

Bras! From an early age, we’ve been buckled, fastened, and pushed into these marvelous contraptions that give us support, shape, and sometimes, a delightful hint of mystery.

Whether it’s the ornate lace of a special occasion bra or the familiar comfort of our old reliable t-shirt bra, these lingerie drawer staples have played a role in our everyday lives. They’ve been with us on the longest days and through the hardest workouts.

But when it comes to getting some shut-eye, is it really necessary to have these chest contraptions strapped on? Some women swear by it, citing sag prevention and comfort. But is it really the best choice for our bodies?

Grab a cup of chamomile tea, get comfy, and let’s discuss the reasons why wearing a bra to bed might not be such a fantastic idea.

8 reasons why you shouldn’t wear a bra to bed

1. Interrupted blood flow

Keeping a bra on 24/7 might feel like the ultimate support system, but it’s akin to forcing your breasts into a non-stop workout. Bras, especially tight or ill-fitted ones, can apply constant pressure on your chest, potentially impeding blood circulation.

Now, your body is pretty excellent at managing blood flow, but why add an extra burden? Let the girls breathe, and they’ll thank you with better overall breast health.

2. Impaired lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic vessels, unlike blood vessels, are super fine and delicate, which means they’re easily squashed. Wearing a bra to bed could potentially interfere with the natural process of lymphatic drainage, which is essential for eliminating toxins from your breasts.

So if you want to keep things detoxed and healthy, it’s best to let your bra off for the night.

3. Unwanted skin irritation

You know those tiny red marks left behind after a day in your favorite push-up? That’s your skin crying out for a break. The constant friction, especially from bras with underwire or rough material, can lead to irritation, rashes, and even minor skin injuries.

Do your skin a favor and give it a break while you’re dreaming of Zac Efron’s abs (or Idris Elba’s, I don’t judge).

4. Unpleasant fungal infections

You heard it here first, folks, bras can be a breeding ground for fungus! Yuck, right? But it’s true. The heat, sweat, and darkness created by a bra is like a VIP lounge for fungal spores. Sleeping braless can help keep the area dry and lower the risk of developing an unwanted fungal party.

5. Disturbed sleep

You wouldn’t sleep in your stilettos, would you? Bras, like any other restrictive clothing, can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep. We move a lot during sleep, and a bra can limit that natural movement, leading to a restless night.

There are already a million and one other things that could potentially ruin your sleep – do you really need another?

6. Potential effect on melatonin regulation

Now, this point is still up for debate in the scientific community, but it’s worth a mention. Some studies have suggested that wearing a bra to bed might interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

If this is true, wearing a bra to bed could potentially disrupt your sleep cycle and overall sleep quality.

7. The hygiene factor

Frequently re-wearing bras before tossing them in the laundry is common practice among many women (I’m not one of them, but each to her own). Now, if this is something you do, you definitely shouldn’t sleep in your bra.

A bra worn round the clock accumulates sweat, oils, and dead skin cells, creating a cozy haven for bacteria. Giving your bra – and skin – a night off helps dry out the garment, reduces this bacterial buildup, and lets your skin breathe.

So, for the sake of cleanliness and comfort, taking a break from your bra at night should be high on your list of priorities.

8. Easier… um… access

A slightly less scientific but equally valid point is the matter of convenience for a little bit of ‘grown-up’ bedtime activity.

Let’s not dance around the topic: If you’re in for some romantic time with your partner, removing a bra can be an additional, often tricky step, particularly if it’s one of those bras with clasps harder to decipher than a Rubik’s cube.

Sleeping without a bra means there’s one less barrier in the way when the mood strikes, making for a smoother transition into your intimate moments.

Final thoughts

Okay, so I’m not suggesting we stage a worldwide bra-burning event or anything (that sounds like a fire hazard, tbh!). Bras are great for many things: providing support, enhancing shape, even stashing our credit cards when pockets aren’t an option.

But like everything in life, they deserve a break, and more importantly, so do you. When it comes to bedtime, let’s leave the bras out of it. Give your body the rest it deserves, sans bra, and relish in the liberty and health benefits that come with it. After all, nothing spells comfort like a little bit of freedom.

Sweet dreams, ladies!