Taking Melatonin Every Night May Nearly Double Heart Failure Risk
A recent study on adults with chronic insomnia revealed that long-term use of melatonin supplements is linked to an increased risk of heart failure and premature death. Melatonin is widely used in the United States, with around six million Americans taking it to improve sleep quality.
Researchers observed that adults suffering from insomnia who consistently took melatonin for at least one year were much more likely to develop heart failure, require hospitalization for it, or die from any cause within five years, compared to those who did not use the supplement.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” says Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, MD, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
If further research confirms these results, it could change how doctors discuss the risks and benefits of melatonin with their patients.
To explore the long-term effects of melatonin, researchers analyzed health records from an international database containing over 130,000 adults with insomnia and no previous heart failure diagnosis. They compared those who used melatonin for more than a year with a matched group who never took the supplement.
Key Findings
- Long-term melatonin use is associated with higher heart failure risk.
- Increased chance of hospitalization due to heart failure in melatonin users.
- Higher overall mortality rate observed in adults taking melatonin long-term.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Nnadi emphasizes the need for caution: “If other studies confirm these findings, it could affect the risk-benefit discussion that doctors have with their patients about the sleep aid.”
This research highlights a critical need to reassess melatonin's safety profile for chronic use, especially in populations with insomnia.
Summary
Long-term melatonin supplementation in adults with insomnia may nearly double the risk of heart failure and increase mortality, advising caution in its regular use.