As someone who spends over 100 nights a year in hotels, I’ve perfected my room routine. One of the best discoveries? Always keeping the bathroom light on at night. What started as a solution to midnight disorientation has become an essential travel practice with multiple benefits.
The most obvious advantage is practical navigation. No more fumbling for light switches or tripping over unexpected furniture when nature calls at 3 AM. The bathroom’s ambient light creates a subtle path to the toilet without the sleep-disrupting brightness of main lights.
But there’s more to it. That small light source provides psychological comfort in unfamiliar spaces. It helps maintain spatial awareness so you don’t wake up confused about your surroundings. For travelers prone to jet lag, it can help gently regulate circadian rhythms when crossing time zones.
There are some potential drawbacks. If you’re extremely light-sensitive, even this minimal glow might disturb your sleep. In these cases, I recommend using a sleep mask or positioning the light so it only illuminates the floor. Some travelers also worry about energy waste, though modern LED bulbs minimize this concern.
Through trial and error, I’ve found the ideal setup: bathroom light on, door adjusted to about a 45-degree angle. This creates perfect mood lighting – enough to see by but not enough to keep you awake. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference in travel comfort.
