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.

Keeps pests away

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.”

Guiding light

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.

By keeping the bathroom light on, you create a dim, indirect glow in the main room, which helps you navigate safely if you need to get up in the night. Whether you’re grabbing a glass of water or just finding your way to the bathroom, a soft light minimizes the chances of tripping or knocking into furniture.

In addition, if there’s an emergency situation where you’re required to quickly evacuate, you won’t have to stumble 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 cyber fan, who explains she frequently travels alone for work. “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 ambience

Some people feel uneasy in an unfamiliar, pitch-black room. A small amount of light from the bathroom can provide a comforting glow without being overly bright or disruptive. It can help ease your mind and make you feel more at home in a new environment, which is especially useful for solo travelers or for those who find it hard to sleep in total 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.”

Visual Deterrent for Intruders

Lights are frequently used at home to give the illusion of an occupied, lively space. It can also act a deterrent in a hotel room, keeping away potential intruders or unwanted guests who are more likely to enter a dark space when the person is fast asleep.

This added layer of security may be minor but can offer peace of mind.

Leaving the bathroom light on in a hotel or motel room might seem like a small decision, but it brings a surprising level of comfort and practicality. So next time you check into a motel, consider this simple tip for a smoother, safer night’s sleep.