Could a Year of Melatonin Increase Heart Failure Risk? Doctors Reveal the Truth! Many people immediately think of expensive supplements, high-tech mattresses, or wearable devices when seeking a sleep aid. However, in the field of modern sleep medicine, the true solution isn’t an external product, but rather the built-in sleep-wake switch within our brains.
Dr. Chang Wei-hung, a psychiatrist at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, previously believed insomnia was caused by a faulty braking system in the brain, preventing the production of sleepiness. But recent medical research suggests that chronic insomnia is often the result of a stuck accelerator. The brain contains a neurotransmitter called orexin, which can be thought of as the brain’s accelerator for staying awake.
Dr. Yang Zheng-yi, director of the Department of Psychiatry at Dongyuan General Hospital, points out that engaging in vigorous exercise before bed can stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain, leading to increased alertness. Activities like stretching or yoga, which are more relaxing and slower-paced, are more suitable before sleep.
Dr. Liao Hui-yuan, a psychiatrist at Kaohsiung Municipal Xiaogang Hospital, notes that many people worry about the side effects of traditional sleep medications. While benzodiazepines can quickly induce sleep, they may cause daytime drowsiness, decreased attention, and even dependence with long-term use. Clinicians typically control the dosage and duration of traditional sleep medications and combine them with other treatments.
Could Poor Sleep Weaken the Heart? The Link Between Insomnia and Heart Failure is Gaining Attention. A large observational study published by the American Heart Association in 2025 found that long-term melatonin use – at least one year – was associated with a higher risk of modern-onset heart failure in adults with chronic insomnia. However, this does not necessarily mean that melatonin itself causes heart failure. It’s possible that long-term melatonin use alters blood pressure and heart rate, or interacts with other medications, impacting heart function.
Dr. Huang Wen-qian, a neurologist at Changhua Show Chuan Memorial Hospital, emphasizes that melatonin does have benefits, particularly compared to traditional sleep medications. It has a lower risk of addiction and appears to slow cognitive decline at a slower rate. However, it can cause daytime sleepiness and dizziness, so medication adjustments should be made based on individual circumstances. It’s crucial to avoid self-treating and to consult with a healthcare professional before using these products.
Don’t Self-Treat Sleep Problems! Doctors Warn Long-Term Insomnia Can Harm Brain and Heart. Dr. Chang Wei-hung of National Cheng Kung University Hospital stresses that the damage caused to the brain by long-term, severe insomnia is far greater than the risks associated with short-term use of sleep medications under the guidance of a specialist. When we enter deep sleep, the brain activates a mechanism called the glymphatic system, which acts like a dedicated car wash, clearing metabolic waste products accumulated throughout the day, including a toxin known as amyloid protein.
Sleep is a vital component of heart health. The American Heart Association now includes healthy sleep as a key indicator of cardiovascular health, recommending that adults get approximately 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Melatonin Isn’t a Cure-All! Doctors Reveal Side Effects and Drug Interaction Risks. Dr. He Li-ting, a cardiologist at National Taiwan University Hospital, explains that for patients with heart failure, not getting enough sleep is more than just feeling tired during the day. Sleep deprivation, frequent nighttime awakenings, or co-occurring sleep apnea can activate the sympathetic nervous system, cause blood pressure fluctuations, and further strain the heart. Current heart failure treatment guidelines too identify sleep disorders as an critical comorbidity that needs attention. If you already have heart failure, cardiovascular disease, or have been struggling with insomnia for a long time, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause.
Dr. Huang Wen-qian of Changhua Show Chuan Memorial Hospital states that all medications have potential side effects, but as long as they are used according to a doctor’s instructions and tailored to each patient’s condition, there is no require for excessive worry.
Doctors advise seeking medical treatment proactively. If you already have heart failure, cardiovascular disease, or have been struggling with insomnia for a long time, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause, including lifestyle, stress, sleep apnea, and medication effects, rather than relying on long-term self-treatment with sleep aids.
