Melatonin Use Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Failure & Death

Groundbreaking research challenges the safety of the popular sleep supplement, urging caution and further investigation.

In a finding that could reshape how millions manage their sleep, a major new study has linked long-term use of melatonin supplements to a dramatically increased risk of heart failure and death. The research, one of the largest of its kind, calls into question the widespread perception of melatonin as a completely safe, "natural" solution for chronic insomnia.

Key Findings: A Stark Warning

After analyzing five years of health data from over 130,000 adults with insomnia, researchers discovered that those who used melatonin for a year or more faced significantly worse health outcomes than closely matched non-users. The results, while observational, are striking:

89% Higher Risk of Heart Failure: Long-term melatonin users were nearly twice as likely to develop new-onset heart failure.

Over 3x Higher Risk of Hospitalization: Users were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure.

Double the Risk of Death: All-cause mortality was more than twice as high in the melatonin group.

A Rigorous, Real-World Analysis

To ensure the comparison was fair, the researchers used advanced statistical methods to create two perfectly matched groups of 65,414 adults each. Both groups had insomnia and were identical across more than 40 factors, including age, pre-existing health conditions, medications, and vital signs. The only key difference was one group had been prescribed melatonin for at least a year, while the other had never used it.

This rigorous design strengthens the credibility of the findings by eliminating many other potential explanations for the stark differences in health outcomes.

Challenging the "Benign" Perception

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is widely available over-the-counter and is often marketed as a cardiometabolic-friendly alternative to prescription sleep aids. However, robust data on its long-term cardiovascular safety has been lacking until now.

"Our findings challenge the perception of melatonin as a benign chronic therapy," the study authors concluded. The association held true even in a secondary analysis that required multiple, well-separated prescriptions, confirming the robustness of the initial results.

Important Caveats and the Path Forward

Crucially, this study demonstrates a strong association, not proven causation. It is possible that other unmeasured factors contributed to the increased risk. The researchers themselves state that the findings "underscore the need for randomized trials to clarify [melatonin's] cardiovascular safety profile."

What This Means for You

For the millions who rely on melatonin for sleep, this study is a reason for caution, not panic. It suggests that long-term, chronic use may carry unforeseen risks.

Consult Your Doctor: Do not stop or start any supplement without consulting a healthcare professional. Discuss the long-term use of melatonin and explore all options for managing sleep issues.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term: While short-term use is generally considered safe, this study raises significant questions about taking the supplement for a year or more.

Informed Choices: This research empowers consumers and doctors to make more informed decisions, balancing the need for sleep with potential cardiovascular risks.

The bottom line
The popular sleep aid melatonin may not be as harmless as once believed, and its role as a long-term therapy for chronic insomnia requires urgent re-evaluation.

Related Articles: 
1. Insomnia: Why You Can’t Sleep (and What to Do About It)

Source: 
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