This is why you should leave the bathroom light on in your hotel room

Anyone who travels frequently knows this tip: you check into a hotel room, get ready for bed, and then — instead of turning off all the lights and plunging the room into total darkness — you leave a small light on in the bathroom (sometimes closing the door almost completely so only a thin strip of light shines out underneath).

It may sound strange, even wasteful. But behind this habit are several entirely practical reasons.

At home, you know exactly where everything is. In a hotel room, everything is unfamiliar: the furniture is arranged differently, your suitcase may be open on the floor, outlets aren’t always where you expect them, and even the bathroom door might be positioned differently than you’re used to. Leaving a small light on in the bathroom creates soft, indirect lighting in the bedroom — not a harsh beam that disrupts sleep, but more like an improvised nightlight that lets you see outlines and orient yourself.

Here are the main reasons why people do it.

1) Fewer bumps and falls in the middle of the night

One of the simplest reasons is safety. When you wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, take medication, or check something, you’re not always fully alert. In an unfamiliar room, it’s easy to bump into a small table, an open suitcase, the edge of the bed, or even a chair you didn’t notice earlier.

A soft light from the bathroom allows you to get up and move around without groping in the dark — and without switching on a bright light that jolts you awake and makes it harder to fall back asleep.

2) A “lit pathway” that reduces confusion in a strange room

At home, your body remembers where everything is. In a hotel room, even after a day or two, it’s still easy to get disoriented: Where’s the light switch? Where are your glasses? Your phone?

A steady, dim light provides a visual reference point. You can see the bed, the direction of the door, the nightstand — reducing the chance of missteps when you’re still half asleep.

3) A greater sense of security and comfort — especially when sleeping alone

Many people find it harder to sleep in total darkness when they’re in an unfamiliar place. There are hallway noises, doors closing, elevators moving, air conditioning humming, traffic outside — and every small sound can create unease.

A faint light from the bathroom makes the room feel less intimidating and less isolated. This is especially true for people sleeping alone, or for those who tend to feel more alert and on edge at night in a new environment.

4) Helpful in an emergency — without fumbling for switches

It’s not something you think about when checking into a hotel, but occasionally there’s a fire alarm, a malfunction, a strange noise, or a need to leave the room quickly. In complete darkness, waking up in a panic can mean scrambling for your glasses, getting turned around, or tripping over furniture.

A constant dim light shortens your “orientation time” and helps you quickly understand where you are and how to exit.

5) May deter pests — but not always

Some people believe that leaving a bathroom light on may reduce the likelihood of insects roaming in darker parts of the room, especially in motels or places with exterior access. The idea is that a lit area feels less inviting than total darkness.

However, in certain environments, light can actually attract different types of insects. So it’s not a magic solution — but in some places, people still prefer leaving a small light on simply to feel more in control.

6) How to do it without ruining your sleep

If you want the benefits without disrupting your rest:

• Leave the bathroom light on but close the door almost completely, so only a thin strip of light shines underneath.
• If the bathroom light is very bright, adjust the door so the light doesn’t shine directly onto the bed.
• If you’re sensitive to light, consider bringing a small travel nightlight (some plug into USB), so you’re not dependent on the bathroom light.

The Bottom Line

Leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel room is a small trick with surprisingly big advantages: fewer falls, better orientation, a stronger sense of security, and even a slight edge in emergencies.

It’s not necessary for everyone. But for those who feel uneasy in complete darkness in an unfamiliar room, it can be a simple way to sleep more peacefully — and wake up less startled in the middle of the night.

Leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel or motel may seem like a minor decision, but it can bring an unexpected level of comfort and practicality. So the next time you check in, consider this simple tip for a quieter, smoother, and safer night’s sleep.