Study Links Long-Term Melatonin Use to Increased Heart Failure Risk
A recent study indicates that adults with insomnia who use melatonin for extended periods face a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure. This risk is significantly greater compared to those who do not use melatonin.
Melatonin Usage and Risks
Melatonin is among the most popular over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with nearly six million Americans using it to speed up falling asleep or extend sleep duration. However, findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2025 raise concerns about its long-term safety.
Research Findings
- Health records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia and no prior heart failure were analyzed.
- Participants using melatonin for more than a year were compared with those who never used it.
- Long-term melatonin users showed a 90% increased risk of heart failure development within five years.
- These users were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure than nonusers.
- In the UK, where melatonin requires a prescription, individuals with at least two filled prescriptions 90 days apart exhibited an 82% higher risk.
"Adults with insomnia who took melatonin for at least a year had a much higher chance of developing heart failure." — Study presented at AHA Scientific Sessions 2025
Additional Risks
Beyond heart failure, long-term melatonin use was also linked to an increased likelihood of hospitalization and higher overall mortality within five years compared to non-users.
Summary
This study highlights potential serious cardiovascular risks associated with prolonged melatonin supplementation in adults with insomnia, underscoring the need for caution and further research.
Author's summary: Long-term melatonin use in adults with insomnia may greatly increase the risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death, signaling a need for careful evaluation of its prolonged use.