I remember my first solo stay at a hotel. It was a new city, new room, and new sounds—the works. As I got ready to turn in, I instinctively switched off every light, prepared for a night of complete darkness. It seemed logical—darkness and sleep go hand in hand, right? Yet, somehow, I found myself reaching for the light switch more than once that night, tempted to keep a small light on. Since then, I’ve picked up on why keeping the bathroom light on can be surprisingly useful in a hotel, even if it seems counterintuitive.

After years of traveling and a few late-night mishaps, I’ve come to realize there are valid reasons for this tip, and the occasional cons, too. Here’s a quick guide on why you might want to leave that bathroom light on in your hotel and what to consider before you flip the switch.