Sleeping with the lights on might not seem too bright, but when you’re traveling and staying in unfamiliar hotel rooms, a little bit of light will keep you a lot more safe.
When you’re staying in a hotel or motel, you may have heard the tip to keep the bathroom light on. This may sound like an odd suggestion, but there are some very practical reasons behind it.
From added safety and comfort to potential health benefits, here’s a rundown of why this small habit can make a big difference.
Keeps pests away
Motels, especially those with outdoor access, can occasionally have issues with insects and other pests. Leaving the bathroom light on can help deter critters from exploring your space at night.
Bugs and other small pests are often attracted to the darker corners of a room, so illuminating the bathroom may draw them away, allowing you a better night’s sleep.
But, as one Quora user writes, “Lights on do keep cockroaches away, but can attract other insects.”
Guiding light
Unfamiliar spaces are easy to stumble through, especially in the dark. One netizen says she finds it “strange,” but embraces the brightness for her “clumsy husband” who “walks into furniture” without a lighted path.
By keeping the bathroom light on, you create a dim, indirect glow in the main room, which helps you navigate safely if you need to get up in the night. Whether you’re grabbing a glass of water or just finding your way to the bathroom, a soft light minimizes the chances of tripping or knocking into furniture.
In addition, if there’s an emergency situation where you’re required to quickly evacuate, you won’t have to stumble through darkness.
“I don’t think being sleepy, alone in a deep dark room, trying to [find] my eyeglass, in an unfamiliar space is nice,” writes one cyber fan, who explains she frequently travels alone for work. “In case of emergency I want to make sure I can find my exit immediately, it’s one of my self-protection protocols, always.”
Comfortable ambience
Some people feel uneasy in an unfamiliar, pitch-black room. A small amount of light from the bathroom can provide a comforting glow without being overly bright or disruptive. It can help ease your mind and make you feel more at home in a new environment, which is especially useful for solo travelers or for those who find it hard to sleep in total darkness.
Another online user suggests that hotel guests keep the bathroom light on, but the door shut: “There’s enough light coming out from under the door to navigate a strange room.”
Visual Deterrent for Intruders
Lights are frequently used at home to give the illusion of an occupied, lively space. It can also act a deterrent in a hotel room, keeping away potential intruders or unwanted guests who are more likely to enter a dark space when the person is fast asleep.
This added layer of security may be minor but can offer peace of mind.
Leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel or motel room might seem like a small decision, but it brings a surprising level of comfort and practicality. So next time you check into a motel, consider this simple tip for a smoother, safer night’s sleep.
Creates a Comfortable Ambience
Not everyone enjoys sleeping in complete darkness — especially in a strange environment. Leaving a bathroom light on, with the door mostly closed, provides a calming and familiar glow that can ease nighttime anxiety.
A bit of ambient light can make a hotel room feel more like home, especially if you’re traveling solo or adjusting to a new time zone. The soft illumination can also help maintain a sense of orientation — so you always know where the bathroom, door, and bed are when you wake up.
If the light feels too bright, closing the bathroom door almost completely (so that only a sliver of light escapes under it) can provide just enough glow without interrupting your sleep cycle.
In fact, some travelers mention that the dim light even helps reduce jet lag confusion, as it keeps the brain from plunging into complete sensory darkness — which can sometimes cause restlessness in unfamiliar surroundings.
Helps Reduce Startle Responses
Waking up suddenly in total darkness can be disorienting — especially if you’re jet-lagged or adjusting to new surroundings. A dim light source helps prevent the feeling of confusion that sometimes comes from waking in pitch black.
By leaving the bathroom light on, your brain has a constant visual anchor. This can help you reorient more quickly if you wake up in the middle of the night. It’s a small detail, but for people who experience mild nighttime anxiety or travel-related stress, it can make sleep more restful.
If you’re sensitive to light while sleeping, consider using an eye mask. That way, you can still benefit from the ambient light in case you wake up or need to move around without disrupting your sleep.
A Low-Cost Travel Habit That Adds Comfort
Leaving the bathroom light on doesn’t cost much, but it can have a surprisingly positive impact on your hotel experience. The small glow can enhance safety, comfort, and peace of mind — all essential for a restful night, especially when you’re away from home.
If energy conservation is a concern, you can opt for a small travel nightlight or a battery-powered motion light instead. These options create a similar effect without relying on the hotel’s lighting system and are ideal for eco-conscious travelers.
Safety and Sleep Balance
While light can improve safety and comfort, some people worry that exposure to artificial light at night might interfere with sleep. Research published in Sleep Health and other peer-reviewed journals suggests that bright or blue-toned light can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles.
To minimize this effect, choose warm-colored or dim lighting whenever possible. Many modern hotels now install energy-efficient bulbs with softer tones, which are less likely to disrupt natural sleep patterns.
If you’re particularly sensitive to light, using a towel or partial door closure can help control brightness while maintaining a reassuring glow.