Hotel rooms are designed for comfort, but there’s one thing they often get wrong: the darkness. After one too many disorienting nights in unfamiliar rooms, I discovered a simple trick that changed the way I sleep while traveling—leaving the bathroom light on.
At first, it felt counterintuitive. Shouldn’t total darkness be better for sleep? Not necessarily. In a hotel, where the layout is unfamiliar and noises are unpredictable, a small source of light can be surprisingly comforting. It helps you navigate the room safely if you wake up in the middle of the night, and it takes the edge off that slight unease that comes with sleeping in a strange place.
There’s science behind it, too. While bright lights can interfere with sleep, a dim glow from another room is usually soft enough not to disrupt your rest. For travelers adjusting to new time zones, this subtle light can even help regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the right times.
Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a light-sensitive sleeper, you might prefer a travel nightlight or a sleep mask. And in some destinations, leaving a light on can attract bugs—something I learned the hard way in Costa Rica. But for most travelers, the pros outweigh the cons.
So next time you’re in a hotel, try leaving the bathroom light on (with the door slightly closed to soften the glow). You might be surprised at how much more at ease—and well-rested—you feel.
