Taking Melatonin Every Night May Nearly Double Heart Failure Risk
A recent study focused on adults with chronic insomnia found 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 as an over-the-counter sleep aid, with about six million Americans taking it to fall asleep faster or maintain sleep longer.
Researchers observed that adults with insomnia who took melatonin for at least one year were significantly more likely to develop or be hospitalized for heart failure, or die from any cause within five years, compared to similar adults who did not use melatonin.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” says lead study author Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, MD, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
If confirmed by further studies, these findings could influence how doctors discuss the risks and benefits of melatonin with their patients, Dr. Nnadi added.
Study Overview
To understand the long-term impact of melatonin, researchers analyzed health records from a large international database containing information on over 130,000 adults with insomnia and no prior history of heart failure. They compared individuals who had used melatonin for more than one year with a similar group who never took the supplement.
Key Findings:
- Long-term melatonin users faced a higher risk of developing heart failure.
- There was an increased likelihood of hospitalization due to heart failure among melatonin users.
- The overall risk of death from any cause was significantly greater in the melatonin group over a five-year period.
These results suggest caution when considering melatonin supplements for chronic insomnia, especially for extended use.
“If other studies confirm these findings it could affect the risk-benefit discussion that doctors have with their patients about the sleep aid,” said Dr. Nnadi.
Author's summary: Long-term melatonin use in adults with chronic insomnia may nearly double the risk of heart failure and early death, warranting further research and careful medical advice.