Health
Chronic Melatonin Use Linked to Heart Risks
Health Points
- Frequent melatonin use has been tied to a higher risk of heart failure in people with insomnia.
- The connection may reflect untreated health issues rather than melatonin directly causing heart problems.
- Experts recommend consulting healthcare professionals before relying on supplements for sleep.
If you’ve made melatonin supplements a nightly sleep routine, emerging research suggests taking a moment to reevaluate. A new study links long-term melatonin use—especially for over a year—with a greater risk of heart failure in people managing insomnia.
This research analyzed electronic health records from more than 130,000 adults, dividing them into groups based on their melatonin usage patterns. People who regularly took melatonin for a year or more faced almost double the risk of heart failure over the next five years compared to non-users.
Melatonin, which your body produces naturally, is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids. While often viewed as a safe and “natural” remedy, its widespread use may signal untreated health problems such as heart concerns.
“Melatonin supplements are widely thought of as a safe and ‘natural’ option to support better sleep, so it was striking to see such consistent and significant increases in serious health outcomes, even after balancing for many other risk factors,” said Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, lead researcher from SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care.
It’s important to note that the study does not prove melatonin causes heart failure. Instead, frequent reliance on melatonin might indicate hidden or unaddressed health issues, like chronic insomnia itself.
Another consideration: the data reviewed mainly included patients with prescriptions for melatonin. Because melatonin is easily available over-the-counter in the U.S., the findings may not show the full picture of how these supplements are used nationwide.
Experts advise that supplements should not replace addressing the root cause of ongoing sleep difficulties. Melatonin may be helpful for occasional use, such as for jet lag or shift work, but isn’t recommended for chronic insomnia.
“There have been quite a few clinical trials, and most of them fail to find melatonin is better than a placebo,” said Dr. Philip Richard Gehrman, clinical psychology associate professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Instead, evidence-supported approaches to insomnia include cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, at times, physician-guided medication.
Before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if it becomes regular, talk with your healthcare provider. While they may appear benign or “natural,” supplements can have unexpected effects or interact with other medications you’re taking.