Taking Melatonin Every Night May Nearly Double Heart Failure Risk
A new international study has found a possible link between long-term use of melatonin supplements and an increased risk of heart failure or premature death among adults with chronic insomnia.
Melatonin is one of the most common over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with around six million people using it regularly to fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer. However, researchers caution that using it nightly for more than a year could have unintended cardiovascular consequences.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” said lead author Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, MD, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
The study analyzed medical records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia but no prior diagnosis of heart failure. Results showed that those who used melatonin for more than a year were more likely to develop heart failure, require hospitalization, or die from any cause within five years compared to similar individuals who did not take melatonin.
Dr. Nnadi added that if future studies confirm these results, it could significantly change how doctors discuss the risks and benefits of melatonin use with their patients.
Key Findings
- Long-term melatonin use (more than one year) was associated with higher heart failure risk.
- Users had greater likelihood of hospitalization or early death.
- The study suggests the need for re-evaluating melatonin’s safety in chronic use.
Author’s Summary
Long-term nightly use of melatonin may nearly double the risk of heart failure among adults with chronic insomnia, highlighting the need for medical caution.