Sleeping with the lights on may not appear to be very bright, but when you’re traveling and staying in unfamiliar hotel rooms, a little bit of light will keep you much safer.
When staying in a hotel or motel, you may have heard the advice to leave the bathroom light on. This may seem like an odd suggestion, but there are some very practical reasons for it.
From increased safety and comfort to potential health benefits, here’s why this small habit can have a big impact. It keeps pests away. Motels, particularly those with outside access, can occasionally have bug and other pest infestations. Leaving the bathroom light on can discourage critters from exploring your space at
night.
Furthermore, if an emergency arises and you must rapidly flee, you will not have to fumble through darkness.
“I don’t think being sleepy, alone in a deep dark room, trying to [find] my eyeglass, in an unfamiliar space is nice,” writes one internet admirer, who reveals she usually travels alone for business. “In case of emergency, I want to make sure I can find my exit immediately; it’s one of my self-protection protocols, always.”
Comfortable atmosphere
Some people are apprehensive in an unknown, pitch-black room. A tiny amount of light from the bathroom may give a soothing glow without being too bright or distracting. It can help to relax your thoughts and make you feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar location, which is especially beneficial for single travelers or people who struggle to sleep in complete darkness.
Another internet commenter recommends that hotel visitors leave the bathroom light on but close the door: “There’s enough light coming out from under the door to navigate a strange room.”
This is a visual deterrent for intruders.
Homes commonly employ lights to create a sense of an inhabited, dynamic place. It can also serve as a deterrent in a hotel room, preventing prospective attackers or unwelcome guests from entering a dark environment while the individual is deep asleep.
This additional layer of protection may be tiny, but it may provide peace of mind.
Leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel or motel room may seem like a small gesture, but it adds a surprising degree of comfort and functionality. So, the next time you check into a motel, remember this simple trick for a better, safer night’s sleep.