Health
Study Flags Possible Heart Risks with Long-Term Melatonin
Health Points
- A new study links long-term melatonin use to higher heart failure and mortality risk in adults with insomnia.
- Researchers observed a 90% increased chance of heart failure among users taking melatonin for over a year.
- Experts stress more research is needed and advise discussing regular melatonin use with a doctor.
Melatonin supplements are a popular sleep aid in the U.S., but new research suggests prolonged use could come with significant heart health risks. A study presented at a leading heart health conference examined records from over 130,000 adults and reported that those who used melatonin for at least a year faced a higher risk of heart failure and death compared to non-users.
People relying on melatonin for more than a year were almost 90% more likely to develop heart failure, and nearly twice as likely to die from any cause within five years. The risk held even when looking at those with multiple melatonin prescriptions.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” says Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the study’s lead author and chief resident at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University.
If future research confirms these findings, it could shape how doctors talk to patients about sleep aids, Dr. Nnadi adds.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body to help regulate sleep, and synthetic forms are widely available over the counter in many places. In the United States, melatonin supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so their strength and purity can vary from brand to brand.
While melatonin is usually safe for short-term use, the study’s authors caution that its effects on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. “It’s a reminder that even over-the-counter supplements can have real physiological consequences,” Dr. Nnadi notes.
Other experts point out that these findings don’t conclusively prove that melatonin causes the increased risks. “From the data alone, it’s hard to know if melatonin itself is responsible,” says Dr. Tamara Horwich, a cardiologist and clinical professor at UCLA, who was not involved in the research.
Factors like underlying health conditions or social determinants could play a role, and there are studies suggesting potential benefits of melatonin for heart health, Dr. Horwich adds.
Steven Holfinger, MD, a sleep medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, notes melatonin is typically well-tolerated in the short term. However, “We haven’t studied long-term use enough to say with certainty that it’s safe,” he explains. Melatonin can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes and blood pressure.
Before making melatonin a nightly habit, it’s wise to talk with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
