A new study found that long-term melatonin use (one year or more) among adults with insomnia may be linked to higher rates of heart failure, hospitalisations, and death from any cause. However more studies are needed before any firm conclusions are made.
Newsroom Heart
Summary
- Participants who used melatonin over extended periods showed nearly double the risk of developing heart failure compared with non-users.
- The research analysed data from a large electronic health record database, tracking outcomes over about five years.
- The findings suggest a possible association, but not a proven cause-and-effect relationship between melatonin use and heart problems.
- Important factors—such as dosage, over-the-counter purchases, and other health conditions—were not fully captured in the data.
- Experts urge caution with chronic melatonin use and call for more rigorous, peer-reviewed studies to confirm its long-term safety.
Overview
A recent study presented at an American Heart Association conference suggests that people who regularly take melatonin supplements for sleep over long periods may face a greater risk of heart-related problems and overall mortality. Researchers analysed medical records from adults diagnosed with insomnia and found that those who used melatonin for a year or more were more likely to develop heart failure, be hospitalised for cardiac issues, or die from any cause within five years compared with those who didn’t use the supplement.
The findings don’t prove that melatonin directly causes these health risks, but they highlight the need for caution and further investigation. Because the study relied on existing health data, researchers couldn’t account for factors such as supplement dosage, over-the-counter use, or other underlying conditions that might influence heart health.
Experts emphasise that more controlled, peer-reviewed studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about the long-term safety of melatonin use for sleep support.
To read the article, search Google using ‘News Room: Heart, Melatonin‘
MEA Comment
Melatonin for sleep disturbance – A note of caution on the long term use of melatonin from the American Heart Association.
Certainly relevant if you already have an additional diagnosis of heart failure.
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
