Could your nighttime remedy for sleeplessness be silently sabotaging your heart health?
Story Highlights
- Melatonin use is linked to increased heart failure risk.
- Study challenges the safety of long-term melatonin use.
- 5-year data analysis from over 130,000 adults reveals concerning trends.
- Experts call for caution and further research into melatonin’s effects.
The Rising Tide of Melatonin Usage
Melatonin has long been heralded as a natural solution for sleepless nights, especially popular among those grappling with insomnia. But recent findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in 2025 are casting doubt on the safety of its prolonged use. The study, drawing from five years of electronic health records, points to a startling 90% increase in heart failure risk for those using melatonin supplements over a year.
The appeal of melatonin lies in its natural origins as a hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, making it a go-to over-the-counter option for many. However, this new research suggests that its long-term use may carry unforeseen cardiovascular risks, urging consumers to reconsider its safety as a chronic insomnia remedy.
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Examining the Evidence
The study analyzed data from 130,828 adults, with an average age of 55.7, predominantly women. It revealed not only a higher probability of heart failure but also a 3.5-fold increase in hospitalization rates for heart failure among long-term melatonin users. Despite these concerning statistics, the study remains unverified by peer review. It cautions against jumping to conclusions but emphasizes the need for further investigation into melatonin’s long-term effects on heart health.
Historically, melatonin was embraced for short-term use, such as combating jet lag or aiding circadian rhythm disorders, where its efficacy is well-documented. However, this study highlights the potential dangers when used for prolonged periods, particularly in self-medicating chronic insomnia.
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Implications for Health and Industry
The implications of these findings could ripple across both health and economic landscapes. In the short term, healthcare providers might revise their recommendations, discouraging habitual melatonin use. Long-term effects could include stricter regulations on supplement labeling and a push towards non-pharmaceutical sleep aids. This development also raises questions about the broader sleep aid market’s safety and efficacy, emphasizing the need for evidence-based alternatives.
Parents, too, are urged to exercise caution. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has previously issued advisories on melatonin use in children, noting a rise in overdose incidents during the pandemic. This study adds a new dimension to the conversation, highlighting potential risks even in adult populations.
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Expert Voices and Public Reaction
Experts and researchers are divided. While some in the medical community echo the call for caution, others emphasize the need for replicated studies to confirm these preliminary findings. The study’s lead author, Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, underscores the importance of further research to inform clinical practices and guide consumers accurately.
Meanwhile, the supplement industry faces increased scrutiny. With melatonin’s image as a “safe, natural” remedy now under question, consumers and healthcare providers alike must weigh the risks and benefits more carefully. The study’s revelations may prompt a shift towards exploring other sleep strategies, such as improved sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes, over quick-fix solutions.
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Sources:
Sleep Education
American Heart Association Newsroom
ACC: Latest in Cardiology
Science Media Centre
