Why You Should Keep the Bathroom Light On While Sleeping in a Hotel
Staying in a hotel—whether for business or vacation—can be both exciting and slightly unsettling. While the soft sheets and fresh towels might offer comfort, the unfamiliar surroundings can make it harder to fully relax. One small yet surprisingly impactful tip that seasoned travelers swear by is leaving the bathroom light on overnight. It may seem insignificant, but this simple act can greatly improve your experience, offering a subtle sense of security, safety, and comfort throughout the night.
1. Keeps Pests at Bay
In hotels located near wooded areas, lakes, or tropical regions—or even just older buildings—occasional pests can be an issue. Cockroaches, mice, and other critters tend to prefer dark, quiet spaces. A softly lit bathroom signals activity, deterring pests from venturing out while you sleep. It’s a passive way to keep unwanted visitors from creeping into your space.
2. Prevents Accidents in the Dark
When you wake up in a hotel room, even the most minor movements can be risky. The layout is unfamiliar, furniture may be positioned differently than you’re used to, and reaching the bathroom or light switch in pitch black can lead to stubbed toes or worse. A dim bathroom light acts like a gentle guidepost, allowing you to safely find your way—without the jarring effect of flipping on a bright overhead light.
3. Adds a Layer of Emotional Comfort
For many people, total darkness can feel unnerving, especially when sleeping alone or in a strange place. The soft glow from the bathroom can serve as a comforting nightlight. It’s subtle enough not to disturb your sleep cycle, but present enough to create a sense of ease. This is especially helpful for light sleepers, anxious travelers, or children sharing the room.
4. May Deter Intruders
While hotel break-ins are rare, visible signs of activity can be a deterrent. A light shining from under the bathroom door suggests that someone is awake or alert. For intruders seeking an easy target, that small glow can be enough to make them move on. It’s a low-tech, non-invasive layer of psychological security.
5. Customize the Brightness
Not all bathroom lights are soft or ideal for overnight use, but there are easy workarounds. You can partially close the door to control how much light spills into the room. Rolling a towel and placing it at the door’s base can block harsh glares while still offering gentle illumination. Some travelers even carry a small nightlight or battery-powered LED for more control.
6. It’s Energy Efficient
Thanks to modern hotel standards, most fixtures use LED bulbs, which consume very little power. Keeping the bathroom light on overnight has minimal impact on the environment or the hotel’s energy use. In some newer hotels, motion sensors and low-wattage bulbs are specifically designed for this type of use.
7. Works Best With Other Safety Habits
Keeping a bathroom light on should complement—not replace—other hotel safety routines. Always double-check your room lock, engage the deadbolt or security latch, and place your phone, charger, shoes, and ID near your bed in case of emergency. These small measures, when used together, build a much safer and more restful environment.
8. Peace of Mind Is Priceless
Ultimately, this habit is about more than visibility or safety—it’s about peace of mind. When you’re in a strange place, every small comfort matters. A softly lit bathroom helps reduce anxiety, minimizes sleep disruption, and gives your brain the subtle cues it needs to feel “at home,” even if just for one night.
So next time you check into a hotel room, flip that bathroom light on low before bed. It’s a small act—but one that can bring a surprising sense of calm and security while you rest far from home.