Claire from Wilmington, North Carolina, wants to know the origin of the phrase “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” She heard a story she heard about the saying having to tightening ropes that support mattresses, which is not the origin. Sometimes this phrase involves insects other than bedbugs, such as mosquitos or fleas. It’s a sweet bedtime saying that’s especially appealing because of its rhyme. A longer version that dates back at least to the late 1800s goes: “Good night, sleep tight, wake up in the morning bright, do what’s right with all your might, and don’t let the bedbugs bite.” This is part of a complete episode.
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