About 127,000 Connecticut residents work the nightshift, and a local doctor who specializes in treating them has what she says can be a life-or-death message.

"If you work the nightshift, you need specialized care," Dr. Chinyelu Oraedu told News 12 Wednesday on National Nightshift Workers Day.

"These workers are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from cancer, heart disease, as well as anxiety and depression," she said.

Dr. Oraedu recalls working the nightshift during the pandemic, when she says many health care professionals suffered the ill-effects of burning the midnight oil.

"I remember my own health suffering and it wasn't pretty," she said.

Dr. Oraedu recommends staying hydrated, getting at least seven hours of quality sleep and taking care to eat a well-balanced diet.

"The nutritional aspect of this care is crucial," she said.

Oraedu says nightshift workers make up 7.5% of the U.S. workforce - or 15 million people.