Health
Study Links Chronic Melatonin Use to Heart Risks
Health Points
- Long-term melatonin use in people with insomnia may signal increased heart failure risk.
- Melatonin supplements shouldn’t replace medical guidance for ongoing sleep issues.
- Consult a healthcare provider before relying on melatonin for regular sleep support.
New findings suggest people who use melatonin supplements for more than a year to manage insomnia could be at higher risk for heart failure. The study, analyzing over 130,000 individuals with insomnia, revealed those taking melatonin long-term were nearly twice as likely to experience heart failure within five years compared to non-users.
Melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, is widely available over-the-counter and often seen as a natural remedy. However, researchers noted frequent melatonin use might point to hidden health problems rather than solve sleep difficulties for good.
“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, the study’s lead author.
The research does not prove melatonin directly harms the heart, but highlights the need to look at underlying causes of insomnia. Data limitations include focusing only on prescribed melatonin use and not capturing all over-the-counter users.
Experts advise that melatonin supplements work best for short-term needs like jet lag and stress the importance of consulting a doctor for ongoing sleep issues.
“If it has any effect as a sleeping pill, they are very modest,” explained Dr. Philip Richard Gehrman, sleep specialist.
Before starting new supplements or if you find yourself reaching for melatonin often, check in with your healthcare provider to rule out other health conditions and ensure safe choices for better sleep and overall well-being.