Traveling comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to adjusting to new environments. Whether you’re on a business trip or a long-awaited vacation, small travel hacks can make a big difference. Fortunately, seasoned travelers—especially pilots and flight attendants—often share their insights on social media, offering tips that make life on the road much easier. One such tip comes from a pilot named Ron Wagner, who swears by a simple trick to help avoid confusion when waking up in an unfamiliar place: always leave the bathroom light on.

A Pilot’s Travel Hack

For travelers who frequently wake up disoriented in hotels or motels, Wagner’s advice can be a game-changer. Sleep disorientation, also known as confusional arousal, happens when people wake up suddenly and momentarily forget where they are. This is especially common among those who travel frequently for work, as they often sleep in different locations each night. Wagner shared a simple trick he uses to combat this problem.

How to Avoid Confusion When Traveling

According to Wagner, sleeping with the bathroom light on—just enough for a faint glow—can help orient you if you wake up in the middle of the night. He recalls a personal experience where he woke up in complete darkness and was momentarily lost in his own hotel room. “I opened my eyes, but it was pitch black,” he explained. “I couldn’t remember what city I was in, and I had no idea how to get out of bed. Where was the wall? Where was the lamp? Which way was the bathroom?”

Why This Trick Works

Wagner emphasizes that it’s not necessary to keep the bathroom light fully on. Instead, he recommends cracking the bathroom door just slightly, allowing a sliver of light to filter into the room. This tiny detail provides just enough visual information to help you regain your bearings quickly. “If the curtains don’t fully block out outside light, you might not need to do this,” Wagner explains. “But if you’re in total darkness, just a small amount of light is enough to help you stay oriented.”

The Science Behind Sleep Disorientation

Although sleep disorientation isn’t a formal medical condition, experts at Verywell Health describe a similar phenomenon called confusional arousal. This occurs when a person transitions from deep sleep to wakefulness but parts of their brain remain asleep. It affects approximately 20% of adults and children. Since different regions of the brain fail to communicate properly, the person may wake up confused, groggy, or even momentarily unaware of their surroundings.

Some common symptoms include:

• Temporary confusion or disorientation
• Staring blankly or not responding to stimuli
• Slurred speech or difficulty forming words
• Occasional aggression or irritability upon waking

Though these episodes typically last only a few minutes, they can be unsettling—especially for frequent travelers who wake up in a different city each night.

More Travel Tips from Frequent Flyers

Wagner’s travel tip gained traction on Quora, where he shared his experience with other travelers. While Quora isn’t always the most reliable source, the platform allows professionals from various industries to share useful knowledge. In addition to Wagner’s tip, many airline employees and frequent travelers have their own strategies for making trips smoother. Here are a few additional travel hacks to consider:

1. Keep Your Valuables with You

Never pack important items—such as passports, expensive electronics, or sentimental jewelry—in checked luggage. Airline mishaps happen more often than you’d think, and it’s not worth the risk of losing something irreplaceable. Always keep essential belongings in your carry-on bag.

2. Have a Financial Backup Plan

Unexpected expenses can arise while traveling. Whether it’s a delayed flight that requires an extra night in a hotel or an emergency purchase, always have a financial cushion. Keeping a few hundred dollars in cash or on a separate credit card can prevent unnecessary stress.

3. Bring a Power Strip

Airport outlets are often in high demand, and finding an available charging station can be frustrating. A small, travel-friendly power strip allows you to share an outlet with others while ensuring you have enough plugs for all your devices. This simple trick can be a lifesaver during long layovers.

4. Write Down Important Addresses

Technology isn’t always reliable, and you might not have internet access when you land in a new city. Before traveling, write down the address of your hotel and any important destinations. Having a physical copy ensures you can give accurate directions to a taxi driver or enter it manually into a GPS if needed. Another useful tip: grab a few business cards from the hotel front desk to hand out to drivers.

5. Pack Smart Using the “Fold and Roll” Method

Flight attendants and military personnel swear by this packing technique. Instead of folding clothes the traditional way, roll smaller items like socks, t-shirts, and undergarments and tuck them into larger items like sweaters or jeans. This method maximizes luggage space and reduces wrinkles.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, small adjustments can make a big difference in your experience. Wagner’s bathroom light trick may seem simple, but for those who often wake up confused in hotel rooms, it can provide a sense of stability and comfort. The key takeaway? A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to stress-free travel. So, next time you check into a hotel, crack the bathroom door and let in a sliver of light—you just might wake up feeling more at ease.