Long-term use of melatonin supplements may increase the risk of heart failure, hospitalization for heart failure, and death from any cause in people with chronic insomnia. A preliminary study found that adults who used melatonin for over a year had about 90% higher chances of developing heart failure compared to those who never took melatonin.
Researchers analyzed data from 130,828 adults with insomnia and found that long-term melatonin use was associated with increased risks of serious health outcomes. The study also found that people taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those who did not take melatonin.
However, the study has limitations, including data availability from countries that require a prescription for melatonin and potential biases in coding related to hospitalization and death. The researchers emphasized the need for further research to test melatonin’s safety for the heart and understand the relationship between melatonin use and health outcomes.
The American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific statement on multidimensional sleep health emphasizes the importance of considering cardiometabolic risks when treating insomnia. The study’s findings have significant implications for how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing melatonin supplements long-term.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251103/Long-term-use-of-melatonin-supplements-linked-to-higher-risk-of-heart-failure-and-death.aspx