This Is Why You Should Turn A Bathroom Light On When Sleeping at a Motel or Motel

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Travel hacks can make trips easier, whether for work or leisure. Flight attendants and pilots, who spend a lot of time traveling, often share useful tips. One pilot revealed a simple trick he uses to sleep better in unfamiliar places.

A Pilot’s Travel Hack
Pilots spend long hours flying and staying in hotels. One of them, Ron Wagner, shared a helpful tip on Quora for those who struggle with sleep disorientation. This condition happens when people wake up in a new place and forget where they are.

Two pilots in a cockpit. Runway in the background.

How to Prevent Sleep Confusion
Wagner suggests keeping a light on when staying in hotels or unfamiliar places. A dim light source can help you see your surroundings at night, reducing confusion and panic.

A hotel bathroom.

The Pilot’s Experience
Wagner recalled a night when he woke up in total darkness. “I needed to get up, but I couldn’t see anything. I didn’t know where the walls were or which way to go.”

An airplane cockpit. Blurred mountains and sky in the background.

A Simple Solution
His solution is to leave the bathroom light on and crack the door slightly. This small amount of light helps him orient himself. If a hotel room has curtains that don’t block all the light, that can work too.

An airplane in the sky. White clouds and blue sky in the background.

What Causes Sleep Disorientation?
Though not a medical term, sleep disorientation is similar to confusional arousal. According to Very Well Health, about 20% of people experience it. It happens when parts of the brain wake up at different times, causing temporary confusion.

Happy relaxed young woman with sleeping mask awaken in cozy bedroom, stretching hands, feeling energetic. Smiling millennial mixed race girl enjoying lazy weekend morning in comfortable bed at home.

Recognizing the Symptoms
Signs include:

  • Feeling confused upon waking
  • Difficulty speaking clearly
  • Staring blankly
  • Not recognizing surroundings
    These episodes usually last about 10 minutes and go away on their own.

More Travel Tips from Experts
Many airline employees share practical travel tips. Here are a few that can make trips smoother:

News feed in social media, post message, comment and profile page in mobile phone. Online conversation in digital community network blog. Swipe smartphone screen with finger. Holding cellphone in hand

Keep Valuables with You
Never check in important items like passports, money, or sentimental belongings.

travel concept with lugage with hat cloths map headphone and notebook for vacation

Have Extra Funds
Unexpected expenses happen. Keep extra cash for emergencies like hotel bookings or meals.

Currency from different countries.

Pack a Power Strip
If there are no free outlets at the airport, a power strip lets you share with others.

A close up of a travel power strip.

Write Down Important Info
Save addresses and reservations on paper. Phones can lose battery or service.

Man in Hotel check in at reception or front office being given key card

Pack Efficiently
Roll clothes to save space. Some travelers use a “fold and roll” method for better packing.

Happy Asian young woman packing suitcase at home. Preparing for summer holiday vacation abroad travel.

These simple hacks can make travel less stressful and more organized.

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