Melatonin users have 90% higher chance of developing heart failure, twice as likely to die: New study

New Study Links Long-Term Melatonin Use to Increased Heart Failure Risk

A recent study highlights a significant health risk associated with prolonged melatonin use in adults suffering from insomnia. The research indicates that individuals using melatonin for over a year are nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure.

Study Findings

Researchers analyzed health data from more than 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia, none of whom had a prior history of heart failure. They compared those who used melatonin long-term to those who never used the supplement.

Long-term melatonin users had about a 90% greater risk of developing heart failure within five years.
These users were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure compared with nonusers.
In the UK, where melatonin is prescription-only, patients with at least two prescriptions filled 90 days apart showed an 82% increased risk.
Melatonin users also faced a higher chance of dying from any cause within five years compared to nonusers.

Melatonin Usage and Popularity

Melatonin is among the most popular over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with nearly six million Americans using it to either fall asleep faster or extend sleep duration.

Warning from the American Heart Association

"Long-term use may carry serious risks, including a significantly higher chance of developing heart failure," researchers presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions 2025.

Summary

While melatonin remains a widely used sleep supplement, prolonged use in adults with insomnia is linked to a substantially elevated risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and increased mortality.

Author’s Note

Careful evaluation of melatonin’s long-term safety is essential, especially for insomnia patients, given its strong association with heart failure risk and mortality.

Mint — 2025-11-08