Travel hacks can make life on the road much easier, especially for frequent travelers who need smooth, hassle-free experiences. Thankfully, flight attendants and pilots—who spend countless hours traveling and staying in hotels—often share their best tips online. One particular travel hack, shared by pilot Ron Wagner, can help travelers get better sleep and avoid confusion when waking up in an unfamiliar place.
A Travel Hack from a Pilot
Pilot Ron Wagner took to Quora to share a valuable tip for anyone who struggles with sleep disorientation. This condition is common among those who frequently travel for work or often sleep in new environments. Travelers sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and forget where they are, leading to confusion and even mild panic. Wagner has a simple yet effective trick to prevent this problem.
The Solution: Keep a Bathroom Light On
Wagner recommends sleeping with the bathroom light on and keeping the door slightly ajar. This creates a subtle light source that helps orient you when waking up in the middle of the night. Instead of struggling in complete darkness, you can quickly regain your bearings and avoid the momentary panic that comes with being disoriented.
A Pilot’s Personal Experience
Wagner shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the effectiveness of this hack:
“The room was completely dark, and I needed to use the restroom. I opened my eyes and tried to figure out where I was, but I saw nothing—just total blackness. Not only could I not remember the city, but I also had no idea how to get up. Where was the wall? The lamp? Which way was the bathroom?”
He explained that keeping a bathroom light on with the door slightly cracked provides just enough illumination to serve as a reference point. That small sliver of light can be all you need to quickly reorient yourself.
Alternative Travel Hacks for Better Sleep
If the hotel room curtains allow some outside light to filter in, you may not need to use the bathroom light at all. Wagner suggests that as long as there is some small source of light in the room, you can avoid disorientation. Even if you still wake up momentarily confused about where you are, a small visual cue can help your brain recall your surroundings much faster.
Understanding Sleep Disorientation
While “sleep disorientation” isn’t an official medical term, Verywell Health describes a similar phenomenon called “confusional arousal.” About 20% of adults and children experience this condition, which occurs when transitioning from deep sleep to wakefulness. During this time, different parts of the brain fail to fully communicate, causing some areas to remain asleep while others wake up.
Symptoms of Confusional Arousal
Some common symptoms include:
- Confusion or disorientation upon waking
- Difficulty recognizing surroundings
- Brief moments of staring blankly
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Temporary aggression or irritability
While this might sound concerning, confusional arousal typically lasts only a few minutes before the brain fully adjusts.
More Travel Hacks for a Smoother Trip
Wagner’s advice isn’t the only useful tip for travelers. Here are some other expert-backed hacks to make your trip more enjoyable:
1. Keep Valuables in Your Carry-On
Never place valuable items—whether sentimental, monetary, or essential documents like your passport—in a checked bag. Lost luggage is an unfortunate reality, and it’s best not to take chances with irreplaceable belongings.
2. Have an Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses can arise while traveling, from last-minute hotel changes to meals during flight delays. Keeping an extra few hundred dollars set aside can help you navigate these situations stress-free.
3. Bring a Power Strip
Finding an available outlet at the airport can be challenging. A small travel power strip lets you share a single outlet with multiple devices, ensuring you always have a way to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet.
4. Write Down Important Addresses
Instead of relying solely on digital access, write down the addresses of your hotel and any major destinations on paper. That way, you can give the information to a taxi driver or use it for navigation even if you don’t have internet access.
5. Pack Smart
Flight attendants recommend rolling clothes to maximize suitcase space, while the military uses a “fold and roll” method. This involves folding small items (like socks and underwear) inside larger items (such as pants and jackets) to save space and keep your luggage organized.
Conclusion
Traveling can be unpredictable, but small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s keeping a bathroom light on to avoid confusion at night or packing efficiently, these hacks can help you feel more prepared and comfortable while on the road. Next time you check into a hotel or motel, try Wagner’s simple trick—you might be surprised by how much it improves your sleep and peace of mind!