New analysis indicates a concerning link between prolonged use of the popular sleep aid melatonin and increased risk of heart failure. The preliminary, non-peer-reviewed study examined over 130,000 adults, finding those prescribed melatonin for over a year faced an 89% higher risk of heart failure within five years and were twice as likely to die from any cause.
While current health recommendations remain unchanged, the findings underscore the need for further study into the long-term safety of melatonin. Typically considered safe for short-term use, comprehensive research on its effects beyond a few months is limited, despite its widespread popularity.
Presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, the research highlights that melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly perceived. Medical scientists suggest this could impact how physicians advise patients on sleep aids.
The study analyzed electronic health records from the U.S. and U.K., with a secondary analysis showing a nearly 3.5 times higher likelihood of hospitalization for heart failure in long-term melatonin users compared to non-users. The risk of death from any cause also saw a significant jump.
Researchers acknowledge a limitation: participants' melatonin use was inferred from prescription records, potentially including individuals who took it without a prescription in the U.S. Despite this, experts emphasize the need for prospective trials to clarify melatonin's safety profile.