Melatonin Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk
Recent research suggests that taking melatonin for extended periods may significantly raise the likelihood of heart failure among adults suffering from insomnia. Compared to those who do not use the supplement, regular melatonin users show an alarming increase in both hospitalization and death rates within a five-year period.
Study Overview
The findings, unveiled at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025, underline potential dangers associated with long-term melatonin consumption. Researchers examined medical data from over 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia but with no previous heart failure history.
- Participants who took melatonin for at least one year faced about a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure compared with nonusers.
- These long-term users were almost 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure.
- In the United Kingdom, where melatonin is prescription-only, individuals with at least two prescriptions filled 90 days apart still had an 82% increased risk.
Melatonin Usage in the United States
Melatonin has become one of the most widely used over-the-counter sleep aids in the U.S., with nearly six million Americans relying on it to improve sleep quality. However, the new evidence suggests that prolonged use could have severe health consequences.
"Adults with insomnia who took melatonin for at least a year had a much higher chance of developing heart failure," noted the study’s researchers.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term melatonin use correlates with substantially higher cardiovascular risk.
- Users may also face an increased likelihood of hospitalization or death within five years.
- The results highlight the growing need for caution and medical supervision when using sleep supplements over long periods.
Author’s Summary
Extended melatonin use, though common for sleep improvement, can raise heart failure risks by nearly double, underscoring the need for physician guidance in long-term use.
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