Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk in New Study
Scientists looked at health information from many adults who have trouble sleeping for a long time and take melatonin, a sleep helper.
They found that people who took melatonin for more than a year seemed to have more heart problems, like heart failure, compared to those who didn't.
These people were also more likely to go to the hospital for heart issues or pass away.
However, this study is still new and can't prove that melatonin directly caused these problems.
It suggests that needing melatonin for a long time might be a sign of existing heart issues.
Doctors say more research is needed, and changing habits like diet and bedtime is more important for heart health.
A study suggests a link between long-term melatonin use (over one year) and increased risks of heart failure, hospitalization for heart failure, and overall mortality.
The study reviewed health records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia who used melatonin supplements.
Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
A continued need for melatonin might indicate underlying cardiac issues rather than the supplement causing the problems.
Experts stress the importance of lifestyle changes, proper sleep hygiene, and further research into melatonin's long-term safety.
- Who
- Researchers analyzing health records of adults with insomnia, presented by the American Heart Association.
- What
- A study linking long-term use of melatonin supplements (over one year) to an increased risk of heart failure, hospitalization for heart failure, and overall mortality.
- When
- Findings presented in a cardiology article, based on a five-year review of health records.
- Where
- Analysis of health records from over 130,000 adults.
- Why
- To investigate potential associations between long-term melatonin use for insomnia and adverse cardiac health outcomes.
Potential Risks Highlighted by Study
Need for Further Research and Caution
Association Between Melatonin and Health Outcomes
Potential Risks Highlighted by Study
A review of health records suggests that adults using melatonin supplements for over a year were more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, require hospitalization for heart failure, or die from any cause.
Need for Further Research and Caution
The study is observational and shows an association, not a causal link. Experts emphasize that a need to take melatonin regularly might signal underlying cardiac issues rather than melatonin causing them. Deeper research is needed.
Efficacy and Safety of Melatonin Supplements
Potential Risks Highlighted by Study
Melatonin supplements are not a prescription drug, their composition can vary, and they may not work for sleep deficit caused by stress, hormonal imbalance, or underlying conditions. There is also a lack of data on their long-term safety.
Need for Further Research and Caution
While the current study is concerning, experts agree that further research is necessary to understand the possible side effects and long-term safety of melatonin supplements.
- Study Presented By
- American Heart Association
- Study Type
- Observational review of health records
- Study Population
- Over 130,000 adults with insomnia using melatonin supplements for at least one year
- Key Finding
- Long-term melatonin users (over one year) showed increased likelihood of heart failure diagnosis, hospitalization for heart failure, or death from any cause.
- Study Limitation
- Shows association, not a causal link. Cannot prove supplements cause heart problems.
- Expert Opinion
- Regular need for melatonin may indicate underlying cardiac issues. Lifestyle changes and proper sleep hygiene are crucial.
