Why You Should Leave the Bathroom Light On While Sleeping in a Hotel
Whether you’re staying in a hotel for work or a much-needed getaway, there’s always a subtle sense of unfamiliarity that can make it difficult to fully relax. The bed might be plush, the towels fresh, and the decor inviting—but it’s not home. That’s why seasoned travelers often rely on a surprisingly simple trick to feel more secure: keeping the bathroom light on overnight.
It may sound trivial, but this small habit can offer significant benefits, enhancing your comfort, safety, and peace of mind during your stay.
First, it helps keep pests at bay. In hotels near woods, lakes, or tropical areas—or simply in older buildings—encounters with critters like roaches or mice aren’t unheard of. These pests tend to avoid light and movement. Leaving the bathroom light on acts as a quiet signal that the space is occupied, discouraging them from creeping out while you sleep.
Second, it prevents late-night accidents. In an unfamiliar room, even walking a few steps to the bathroom can be risky. Furniture might not be where you expect, and hunting for a switch in pitch black can lead to stubbed toes or worse. A dim bathroom light serves as a built-in nightlight, guiding your way safely without blinding you like an overhead light would.
There’s also an emotional benefit. For many, total darkness in a strange room can be unsettling. A soft glow from the bathroom door can make a cold hotel room feel a bit more like home. This sense of subtle security is especially helpful for solo travelers, children, or anyone with anxiety or insomnia.
On a more serious note, that faint light might even act as a deterrent to intruders. While hotel break-ins are rare, visible signs of activity—like light shining from under a door—can make a potential trespasser think twice. It creates the illusion that someone is awake or alert, and that alone can be enough to keep trouble away.
If you’re worried about light interrupting your sleep, there are ways to control the brightness. Partially closing the bathroom door or placing a rolled towel at its base can soften the glow while still providing gentle illumination. Some frequent travelers even pack a small nightlight or battery-powered LED to create their preferred ambiance.
Worried about wasting energy? Most modern hotel fixtures use low-wattage LED bulbs, so leaving a bathroom light on overnight has minimal environmental impact. In fact, some hotels are already equipped with built-in motion sensors or dimmable options designed with nighttime use in mind.
It’s important to remember that leaving a light on isn’t a substitute for other safety habits. Always secure your door with the latch or deadbolt, and keep essential items—like your phone, wallet, ID, and shoes—within easy reach in case of an emergency.
Ultimately, this isn’t just about visibility or safety—it’s about peace of mind. When you’re far from home, small comforts go a long way. A softly lit bathroom may be all it takes to settle your nerves and ensure a restful night.
So the next time you check into a hotel, don’t just drop your bags and crawl into bed. Flip on that bathroom light, let it glow softly through the night, and sleep a little easier knowing you’ve added one more layer of comfort and calm to your stay.