As the traditional 9-to-5 workday draws to a close, daytime employees hit the gym, hurry to meet friends for a night on the town, or head home to their families. For the nearly 11 million American adults who work during the evening and at night, however, their jobs are just beginning. On average, 12% of employed Americans ages 15 and older are working at 9 p.m., a number which falls to 7% by 11 p.m. and hits a low of 3% at 3 a.m., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While others are finishing dessert and turning on their televisions, these intrepid souls are amping up on caffeine in an attempt to ignore their circadian rhythm’s pleas for sleep. Although second and third shift employees frequently elect to work atypical hours as a way to accommodate their other priorities such as family and school, these “night owls” are at greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression and other health problems than their “early bird” counterparts, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the National Institutes of Health. 

Even with the long-term risks associated with third shift employment, people who work at night keep the cogs of capitalism moving while much of the world snoozes soundly, oblivious to their fellow citizens’ personal, physical and emotional sacrifices. But night shift employees know their value. The services they offer—improving network connectivity, restocking a customer’s favorite snack, pouring a final drink before last call, and so much more—just might make the difference in helping someone’s tomorrow be a little brighter.