Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk
A recent study highlights that adults with insomnia who use melatonin for over a year face a 90% greater risk of developing heart failure. Melatonin is widely used in the United States as an over-the-counter sleep aid, with nearly six million Americans relying on it to improve sleep quality.
Study Findings Presented at AHA Scientific Sessions 2025
Researchers analyzing health records of more than 130,000 adults with insomnia and no prior heart failure history found notable risks associated with long-term melatonin use. The study compared individuals using melatonin for at least a year with those who never used the supplement.
- Long-term melatonin users had a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure within five years.
- They were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure compared to non-users.
- Melatonin users also had a higher risk of death from any cause within five years.
Melatonin Availability and Risks in the UK
In the United Kingdom, melatonin is prescription-only. Even those with at least two prescriptions filled 90 days apart showed an 82% increased risk of developing heart failure.
Adults with insomnia taking melatonin for at least a year showed a significantly higher chance of hospitalization and death compared to those who did not use melatonin.
Implications for Melatonin Use
The findings suggest caution for long-term melatonin users, especially those with existing sleep issues. While a popular remedy for insomnia, melatonin's potential cardiovascular risks call for further awareness and consideration by both users and healthcare providers.
Author’s summary: Long-term melatonin use in adults with insomnia significantly raises the likelihood of heart failure, hospitalization, and mortality, urging careful evaluation of its safety.