Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Risk, Study Suggests

Preliminary research presented yesterday indicates a potential link between long-term melatonin use and an increased risk of heart failure and mortality, prompting calls for further investigation into the widely used sleep aid.

An analysis of health records from over 130,000 adults across the United States and the United Kingdom revealed that individuals prescribed melatonin for more than one year experienced an 89 percent higher risk of heart failure over five years and were twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those not prescribed the supplement. The findings, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, do not definitively prove melatonin *causes* these issues, but suggest a correlation that warrants deeper study. This is particularly relevant as sleep disorders are increasingly common, leading more people to seek over-the-counter solutions.

Medical researcher Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York cautioned, “Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed. If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.” The study utilized electronic health records to track melatonin use, a methodology that researchers acknowledge has limitations, as it doesn’t account for individuals self-treating with over-the-counter melatonin. For more information on sleep health, resources are available from the Sleep Foundation.

While melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use – typically one to two months – comprehensive research on its long-term effects remains limited. A secondary analysis showed those taking melatonin for over a year were almost 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. Experts like Carlos Egea, President of the Spanish Federation of Sleep Medicine Societies, emphasize the need for prospective trials to clarify melatonin’s safety profile, noting the study’s associations are serious despite the methodological limitations. The American Heart Association continues to fund research into cardiovascular health.

Researchers emphasized the need for caution and further investigation, and health officials stated they will continue to monitor the findings as more data becomes available.