Recent research indicates that taking melatonin for extended periods may be associated with underlying heart problems. According to a study released on Monday, the long-term use of this popular over-the-counter sleep aid has shown a correlation with an increased risk of heart failure and early mortality among adults suffering from insomnia. While the findings do not conclusively state that melatonin supplements directly cause heart issues, they suggest that a dependency on these supplements for sleep could signal potential cardiac concerns.
The study was led by Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, an internal medicine resident at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York City. Nnadi and his colleagues analyzed five years of electronic health records from 130,828 adults, with an average age of 56. Their findings revealed that individuals who regularly used melatonin for over a year were nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to non-users. Specifically, 4.6% of those in the melatonin group developed heart failure, compared to just 2.7% among those who did not take the supplement.
Moreover, the study found that chronic melatonin users were over three times more likely to be hospitalized for heart-related issues (19% versus 6.6%) and nearly twice as likely to die during the study period compared to non-users. However, it's important to note that the study relied on medical records to identify chronic users of melatonin, which may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of long-term melatonin use across the U.S., as the supplement is widely available over the counter.
Dr. Nishant Shah, a preventive cardiologist at Duke University Medical Center, emphasized the need for caution in interpreting these findings. He stated, “I caution people against drawing concrete conclusions based on this study alone. However, this observation highlights the need to investigate whether there’s a direct association of harm with sleep agents like melatonin.” Nnadi’s research is set to be presented at an upcoming meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans, although it has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 7 million Americans are living with this condition. Although the study suggests that long-term melatonin use may be an indicator of potential heart issues rather than a direct cause, experts widely agree that further research is necessary to fully understand the side effects of melatonin supplements.
Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiologist and the incoming director of the Davis Women’s Heart Center at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Institute, noted, “We have patients using all kinds of supplements without understanding the risks. If there is harm from a supplement, it means the cost could be far more than simply expensive urine.” Gulati was not involved in the new study but stressed the importance of being aware of the risks associated with supplement use.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Synthetic versions are widely available as dietary supplements, marketed to help individuals fall asleep more quickly or counteract jet lag. Due to the lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, the potency and purity of melatonin supplements can vary significantly between brands. The use of melatonin has surged in recent years, with a 2022 Sleep Foundation survey indicating that up to 27% of U.S. adults, along with 4% of children, take melatonin. However, the new study did not include pediatric participants.
Experts advise individuals who have been using melatonin for sleep for more than a year to consult with their healthcare providers. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, remarked, “People should be aware that it should not be taken chronically without a proper indication.” St-Onge was not involved in the new research but echoed the call for careful consideration of the long-term use of melatonin.
