I think I told you guys about my dust-mite-freak-out when I was a kid. After my allergist showed me a blown up photo of one, I refused to sleep in my bed. OK, so we've all heard the one about our mattresses doubling in size over the course of 10 years due to dust mite debris and skin cells, right? But is it true? I have an answer...

****It's true!

Great, I know. I spoke with Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Langone Medical Center, and he says this "urban myth" isn't a myth at all--it's a fact. Over the course of just 10 years, your mattress could double in weight because of the accumulation of dust mite debris (let's be real here: dust mite poo), your dead skin cells, etc.

What to do? Use an "impervious" mattress cover, which makes sure that nothing can get inside your mattress--no dust mites, skin cells, etc. You can find them anywhere these days. Be sure to look for one that's "breathable" though, so moisture doesn't get trapped inside the mattress, leading to mold and fungus growth (because we don't need any of that).

Sweet dreams (in a sarcastic voice)!

More from Vitamin G:

Three really weird tricks to fall asleep faster.

Here's why more couples are sleeping in separate beds...

Photo: Getty