Taking Melatonin Every Night May Nearly Double Heart Failure Risk
A new study of adults with chronic insomnia has revealed a strong link between prolonged use of melatonin supplements and a higher likelihood of heart failure and premature death.
Melatonin’s Popularity and Health Impact
Melatonin remains one of the most widely used over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with roughly six million Americans relying on it to fall asleep or stay asleep more easily. However, long-term use might pose serious health concerns.
Study Findings
Researchers discovered that adults suffering from insomnia who continuously used melatonin for at least one year faced a significantly greater risk of developing heart failure, being hospitalized for it, or dying from any cause within five years compared with those who did not take the supplement.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” said Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, MD, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
Data and Research Overview
The investigators examined health data from a large international database containing records of more than 130,000 adults with insomnia and no prior heart failure diagnoses. They compared long-term melatonin users—those taking it for over a year—with a similar group who had never used the supplement.
Implications for Medical Guidance
According to Dr. Nnadi, if future research confirms these findings, physicians may need to reconsider how they discuss the risks and benefits of melatonin with their patients.
Author’s summary: Long-term melatonin use, though common among insomnia sufferers, may significantly raise the risk of heart failure and early death, highlighting the need for careful medical review.