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Sleeping with bra on has raised many debates among young women. Experts reveal the science behind this bedtime habit.

Some women believe that sleeping with the bra on is bad for health. Others think it will cause the breast to sag, while others think the garment will prevent such occurrence.

Dr. Seth Rankin, founder of London Doctors Clinic, said that sleeping with the bra on does not slow down the inevitable sagging process of the breasts. Rankin explained that sagging is caused by the downwards pull of gravity.

When a woman is lying down flat, the effect of gravity pushes the breast tissue back towards the chest, not down towards the toes. So, if one is sleeping with bra on for the purpose of giving support to the breasts, it is actually pointless according to Rankin. Breasts are naturally compressed back down onto the chest.

Sagging of the breasts is a natural process in life as women age. However, breastfeeding, genetics, high intensity activity, pregnancy, rapid weight change and smoking can contribute and speed up the process.

However, sleeping with bra on may restrict the flow of lymph to many important lymph nodes around the breast and armpit. This will hinder the body to flush toxic waste-products.

Professor Mokbel also warns women on the harm done by sleeping with a bra on especially if it is a constrictive type. He said that it can impair the blood flow and lymphatic drainage which can lead to chronic inflammation, edema and discomfort.

However, on a different perspective, Dr. Holly Pederson, director of medical breast services at the Cleveland Clinic said that there is no evidence yet to prove that any type of bra, whether tight-fitting or with under wire, is harmful to the breasts.

Celebrities known for sleeping with bra on are Marilyn Monroe, Mariella Frostrup, Paula Yates and Hally Berry. A bra worn designed specifically to be worn at night is the popular La Decollette bra which claims to prevent wrinkles and can maintain a youthful look.