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.
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.”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.
If you must get up in the middle of the night, you can cross the main room safely by creating a weak, indirect glow with the bathroom light on. A gentle light reduces the possibility of tripping or bumping into furniture, whether you are reaching for a glass of water or simply navigating to the restroom.
Additionally, you will not have to fumble in the dark in the event of an emergency when you must leave right away.
One online fan says, “I do not believe it is great to be tired, alone in a dark room, trying to [find] my eyeglass, in a new location,” explaining that she often travels alone for work. “One of my self-defense procedures is to always make sure I can find my exit in the event of an emergency.”Some folks find a strange, dark room unsettling. Without being too bright or distracting, a little bathroom light can create a reassuring glow. It can help you relax and feel more comfortable in a strange setting, which is particularly helpful for people who travel alone or have trouble falling asleep in complete 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.”
At home, lights are commonly employed to create the appearance of an occupied, dynamic area. In a hotel room, it can also serve as a deterrent, keeping away unwelcome visitors or possible burglars who are more inclined to enter a dark area while the occupant is sound asleep.
Despite its slightness, this extra security measure might provide comfort.
Although it may seem like a little choice, leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel or motel room adds a surprising amount of convenience and comfort. For a more comfortable and secure night’s sleep, keep this easy advice in mind the next time you book a room in a motel.