New Research Raises Concerns About Long-Term Melatonin Use & Heart Health .melatonin heart failure .

 

What’s the News

A large observational study presented by the American Heart Association suggests that people who take melatonin supplements for a year or more may face a significantly higher risk of developing Heart failure, being hospitalized for it, or dying from any cause within five years. American Heart Association+2People.com+2
The study tracked over 130,000 adults diagnosed with chronic insomnia, comparing those with documented long-term melatonin use to those without. American Heart Association+1
Key findings included:

• Incident heart failure was about 4.6% in the melatonin-user group vs. 2.7% in non-users. American Heart Association+1

• Melatonin users were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. American Heart Association

• The all-cause mortality rate during the follow-up period was higher for long-term users. People.com

What This Might Mean

• While the numbers are striking, association does not equal causation. The study cannot prove that melatonin itself causes heart failure. The Washington Post+1

• It's possible that people using melatonin long-term already have underlying sleep disorders, anxiety, depression or heart conditions, which may contribute to the higher risk. The Washington Post

• Melatonin is widely available over-the-counter in the U.S., which means dosing, quality and regulation can vary significantly. American Heart Association

What Experts Are Saying

• Sleep and heart health specialists emphasise caution:

  “Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed.” — lead researcher Dr Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi. American Heart Association

• Others point out that the long-standing insomnia that leads to melatonin use is itself a risk factor for cardiovascular problems. The Washington Post

• For now, experts suggest using melatonin for short-term, occasional sleep issues, and not relying on it nightly without medical supervision. People.com

What Should You Do?

Here are some practical takeaways:

• If you’ve been using melatonin each night for months or years, especially if you have existing heart or sleep issues, consult your doctor.

• Consider evaluating underlying sleep problems: seek help for chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, or poor sleep hygiene rather than simply increasing melatonin dosage.

• Keep doses low and use only when needed: higher doses haven’t been proven safer, and supplement regulation is weak.

• Remember that healthy sleep habits (regular schedule, dark room, limited screen time before bed) remain foundational for both sleep and heart health.

Bottom Line

This study is a red flag — not a verdict. Melatonin remains a widely used and generally safe sleep aid when used short-term by healthy individuals. But the findings raise important questions about long-term use, quality control of supplements and the interplay between sleep treatments and cardiovascular risk.
If you’re taking melatonin nightly for a long period, it’s a good moment to pause, ask questions and engage with your healthcare provider about your sleep and heart health.

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