Chronic Melatonin Use May Raise Risk of Heart Failure, Study Suggests

Chronic Melatonin Use May Increase Heart Failure Risk

Researchers have found that taking melatonin for one year or longer could be associated with a greater risk of heart failure. Melatonin, commonly used as a sleep aid, is under investigation for possible side effects as its long-term use grows more popular.

Study Overview and Findings

A preliminary study examined the medical records of individuals with chronic insomnia. Those prescribed melatonin for at least a year were more likely to develop heart failure and had a higher risk of death from any cause.

“These findings challenge the perception of melatonin as a benign chronic therapy and underscore the need for randomized trials to clarify its cardiovascular safety profile,” the researchers wrote.

Context and Usage

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. In countries like the U.K., synthetic melatonin is approved for treating insomnia in people over 55. In the U.S., it is widely sold as an over-the-counter supplement.

Short-term melatonin use, such as for a few nights to overcome jet lag, is generally considered safe for adults, though its safety for children is less clear.

Study Limitations and Implications

The authors acknowledge limitations in their study but emphasize that the results encourage further research into melatonin’s potential health risks, especially concerning heart health.

Author’s summary: Long-term melatonin use might raise heart failure risks, urging more research to understand its cardiovascular safety beyond short-term sleep aid use.

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Gizmodo Gizmodo — 2025-11-03

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