The Better Alternative: A Dim Night-Light
If you like the idea but don’t want the bathroom illuminating your bedroom, there are better options.
A small, low-level night-light can provide enough illumination to create a safe path without flooding the sleeping area with light.
Design standards for nighttime environments specifically recommend low-level lighting for safe routes between sleeping areas and bathrooms while minimizing disruption to sleep.
Motion-activated lights are another useful option because they only turn on when you actually get out of bed.
A Simple Hotel-Room Routine
Before going to sleep, take less than a minute to prepare your room.
Clear shoes and bags from the floor.
Locate the bathroom.
Check where the main light switches are.
Keep your phone somewhere accessible.
Make sure you know where the room’s exit is.
Then decide whether you need a small amount of nighttime lighting.
These tiny steps can make an unfamiliar room much easier to navigate.
Should You Leave the Bathroom Light On?
There isn’t a universal rule saying that every hotel guest should do this.
For some people, it can be genuinely useful.
For others, even a small amount of light can disturb sleep.
The best solution is to use the lowest amount of light that gives you enough visibility.
