Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk
A recent study has found that adults with chronic insomnia who take melatonin supplements every night for over a year face a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure, hospitalization due to heart problems, or early death within five years, compared to those who do not use melatonin.
Popularity of Melatonin
Melatonin is among the most widely used over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with about six million Americans relying on it to fall asleep faster or maintain sleep through the night.
Study Details and Findings
- The research analyzed health records from a large international database of over 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia but no prior heart failure.
- Participants were divided into two groups: those who used melatonin for more than a year and those who never used it.
- Results showed the long-term melatonin users were more likely to develop heart failure or require hospitalization, or die from any cause during the studied period.
Expert Commentary
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” said Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, chief resident in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York.
Dr. Nnadi added that if these findings are confirmed by further studies, it may change how doctors discuss the risks and benefits of melatonin with their patients.
Research Implications
This research emphasizes the need for caution in the long-term use of melatonin, especially in populations with chronic sleep issues, and highlights the importance of further investigation to understand the supplement’s safety profile.
Author's summary: Long-term nightly melatonin use in adults with insomnia may double the risk of heart failure and early death, suggesting the need for careful medical consultation.