Taking Melatonin Every Night May Nearly Double Heart Failure Risk
A new study suggests that prolonged use of melatonin supplements among adults with chronic insomnia may be linked to a significantly higher risk of heart failure and early death.
Melatonin Use and Rising Popularity
Melatonin ranks among the most widely used over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with roughly six million people relying on it to fall asleep faster or remain asleep longer.
Findings of the Study
Researchers observed that adults taking melatonin for over a year faced a much greater likelihood of developing heart failure, being hospitalized due to it, or dying from any cause within a five-year observation period compared with non-users.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” said Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, MD, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
Dr. Nnadi noted that if confirmed by further research, these results could reshape how physicians discuss the potential benefits and risks of melatonin with their patients.
Study Design and Analysis
The research drew on medical data from an international database containing records of more than 130,000 adults with insomnia and no history of heart failure. Participants who used melatonin long-term were compared to others with similar health profiles who had never taken the supplement.
Key Insights
- Participants using melatonin for over a year showed higher incidence of heart failure or death.
- The findings challenge the perception that melatonin is entirely safe for prolonged use.
- Further validation through independent studies is needed to confirm causality.
Author’s summary: Long-term melatonin intake may carry unexpected cardiovascular risks, urging both users and physicians to reconsider its regular use for insomnia.