I remember my first solo hotel stay vividly—a new city, unfamiliar room, and the kind of silence that makes every sound feel amplified. I was both excited and anxious, trying to settle into my temporary home.
As I got ready for bed, I instinctively turned off every single light, thinking that pitch darkness was the best setup for sleep. After all, darkness was supposed to be peaceful, right?
But as the night wore on, I found myself reaching for the switch more than once, craving just a hint of light. There was something about the complete darkness that felt off, like I needed just a little bit of assurance.
That tiny instinct stuck with me, and after years of travel, I realized there’s a practical reason many seasoned travelers leave the bathroom light on. It’s not just about comfort—it can actually improve your whole hotel experience in ways you might not expect.
One of the first things I noticed was how the dim light could help me navigate unfamiliar layouts without tripping or banging my knee. Suddenly, I wasn’t worried about bumping into furniture or misjudging the room’s layout in the middle of the night.
Another advantage I found was that the light can ease jet lag. By maintaining a subtle light source, it helped my body adjust to the new time zone. The gentle glow acted like a reminder that the day was still in motion, helping my body acclimatize.
A dim bathroom light also provides comfort to kids who may be traveling with you. It serves as a subtle nightlight, offering them a sense of security in an unfamiliar place, especially if they wake up disoriented during the night.
The light also adds a layer of safety during emergencies. If anything were to go wrong in the middle of the night, the faint light would make it easier to find your way quickly and safely.
However, it’s not without drawbacks. For some people, especially light-sensitive sleepers, it can disrupt their rest. Even a faint light can interfere with deep sleep, which can be frustrating if you need a restful night.
Additionally, leaving a light on adds a small energy cost, and in warm climates, it can attract bugs. But with a few smart adjustments like packing a travel nightlight or cracking the door just enough to diffuse the glow, you can strike the perfect balance between comfort and sleep.
