When you’re traveling—whether it’s for business or fun—comfort and convenience are everything. The goal is simple: make the trip easier, less stressful, and as smooth as possible. And who better to learn from than the pros? Flight attendants, pilots, and other frequent travelers spend countless nights in hotel rooms and endless hours on airplanes. Over time, they’ve picked up some clever tricks to make life on the road a lot more manageable.

One of these travel hacks comes from pilot Ron Wagner, and it’s surprisingly simple—yet it can make a huge difference in how well you rest while away from home. His advice? Always leave the bathroom light on when you stay in a hotel or motel room. At first, it might sound like no big deal. But trust him, this small habit can save you from waking up in a total panic in the middle of the night.

Why Leave a Light On?

Wagner explains that many travelers deal with what’s called sleep disorientation. It happens when you wake up and, for a moment, have no clue where you are. It’s a common experience for people who bounce from city to city, sleeping in a different bed each night. He shared his story on Quora about waking up in a pitch-black hotel room, not knowing which city he was in. He lay there, eyes wide open, trying desperately to find something—anything—that looked familiar. But there was nothing. Just darkness. He didn’t know where the walls were or which way to turn to find the bathroom—or even get out of bed safely.

That’s why Wagner came up with a simple fix. Before going to sleep, he turns on the bathroom light and leaves the door slightly cracked. This allows just a faint glow to shine through the room. It’s not bright enough to keep him awake, but it gives just enough light to help him reorient himself if he wakes up confused.

And it doesn’t have to be the bathroom light specifically. Wagner says any soft light will work. The goal is to have a small sliver of light somewhere in the room to help you get your bearings. If your hotel room curtains don’t block out the city lights completely, you might not even need this trick. But for those darker rooms, it can be a game-changer.

Wagner admits that even with this trick, there are still times he wakes up momentarily disoriented. But having that faint light makes it much easier—and faster—to figure out where he is and what’s going on.

The Science Behind Sleep Confusion

While sleep disorientation isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, it’s closely related to something called confusional arousal. According to Verywell Health, confusional arousal happens when someone wakes up from deep sleep but parts of their brain are still in sleep mode. This can leave people feeling groggy, confused, and disoriented. It affects about 20% of adults and children, and during these episodes, different parts of the brain struggle to communicate.

Symptoms can include confusion, staring blankly, mumbling or slurred speech, and even brief moments of aggression. While it can be scary, it usually lasts only a few minutes before you snap out of it. Still, no one likes waking up in a panic, especially in a strange place.

More Travel Tips from the Pros

Ron Wagner’s light trick is just one of many helpful tips that seasoned travelers swear by. Here are a few more to make your trips easier and less stressful:

1. Keep Valuables Close

Never pack valuables in your checked luggage. That includes important documents, electronics, and anything you can’t afford to lose. Always keep those items in your carry-on where you can keep an eye on them.

2. Have a Financial Backup

Things go wrong sometimes—flights get delayed, hotel reservations fall through. Keeping a few hundred dollars in cash stashed away gives you peace of mind. You’ll be glad you have it if you need to grab a last-minute room or buy food when your credit card won’t swipe.

3. Bring a Small Power Strip

It might sound like overkill, but a compact power strip can be a lifesaver. Outlets are often in short supply in airports and hotels. With your own power strip, you can charge your devices and even share the outlet with other travelers—without fighting over plug space.

4. Write Down Important Info

Technology isn’t always reliable. Phones die, Wi-Fi cuts out, and apps crash. Writing down your hotel address, reservation numbers, and directions means you have a backup plan. Some travelers even grab a business card from their hotel’s front desk so they can show it to taxi drivers if needed.

5. Pack Light and Smart

Flight attendants often suggest packing light and using the “fold and roll” method. Roll your socks and underwear inside your shirts or pants. This saves space, keeps your clothes wrinkle-free, and helps you stay organized.

Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Whether it’s leaving a bathroom light on, packing smart, or keeping extra cash handy, these small habits can make a big difference. Traveling can be exhausting, but with a few simple strategies, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The next time you check into a hotel, remember Ron Wagner’s advice—leave a little light on. It might just help you sleep a little easier.