Melatonin users have 90% higher chance of developing heart failure, twice as likely to die: New study

Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk

A recent study warns that long-term melatonin use may significantly raise the risk of heart failure in adults suffering from insomnia.

Key Findings from the Study

Adults with insomnia taking melatonin for at least one year showed a 90% higher chance of developing heart failure compared to those who did not use melatonin.
These users were also nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure.
Long-term melatonin users faced a greater risk of death from any cause within five years.

Study Details

Researchers analyzed health records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia who had no previous history of heart failure. They compared individuals who used melatonin for more than a year with similar adults who never used the supplement.

International Context

In the United Kingdom, melatonin is available only via prescription. Even those with at least two prescriptions filled 90 days apart exhibited an 82% higher risk of heart failure.

"Adults with insomnia who took melatonin for at least a year had a much higher chance of developing heart failure... they also have a much greater chance of being hospitalized for it or dying from any cause over the next five years."

Melatonin remains one of the most widely used sleep aids in the United States, with nearly six million Americans taking it to improve sleep quality.

Summary

This study highlights potential serious cardiovascular risks linked to prolonged melatonin use in adults with insomnia, urging caution for long-term consumption.

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Mint — 2025-11-08

Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk

Key Findings from the Study

Study Details

International Context

Summary

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