New, preliminary research suggests that adults with insomnia who regularly use the popular over-the-counter sleep aid melatonin for a year or more may have an increased risk of heart failure and early death.
Key Findings & Caveats
- Association, Not Causation: The researchers emphasize that melatonin itself is not proven to cause heart problems. Instead, the persistent need to take the supplement to sleep could be a signal of underlying cardiac issues or related conditions. Insomnia itself is linked to higher blood pressure, stress hormones, and inflammation, which can strain the heart.
- Study Data: A review of five years of electronic health records for over 130,000 adults found that long-term melatonin users were nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure (4.6% vs. 2.7%) and nearly twice as likely to die during the study period compared to non-users. They were also more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure.
- Study Limitations: The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, relied only on medical records that documented a prescription, which is less common in the U.S., where melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement. This limitation may affect the results.
Expert Recommendations
Experts caution against immediately stopping the supplement but agree that the findings warrant further investigation into the safety of long-term use.
- Consult a Doctor: People who have been taking melatonin for sleep for more than a year should consult with their healthcare provider.
- Cautionary Use: Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, is sold as an unregulated dietary supplement, meaning the dose and purity can vary widely. Experts advise against chronic use without a proper medical indication.
0 Comments