A new study is raising eyebrows about a possible link between melatonin use and heart health, but experts say there’s no reason to panic—yet. The research looked at long-term melatonin users and found a higher rate of heart failure, but doctors say the data isn’t enough to prove the supplement is dangerous.
What the melatonin study found
Researchers analyzed international health records of adults diagnosed with insomnia. Some had taken prescription melatonin for over a year, and over a five-year period:
- 4.6% of long-term melatonin users developed heart failure
- That compares to 2.7% of insomnia patients who didn’t take melatonin
The findings were presented at an American Heart Association meeting but have not yet been peer-reviewed.
Key limitations of the study
Experts caution that the study is observational, meaning it can show correlation—not cause.
Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology at Northwestern University, noted key gaps:
- U.S. melatonin is sold over the counter, so many users may not show up in health records
- The study didn’t track dosage amounts
- It’s unclear whether the higher heart failure risk is from melatonin itself—or the insomnia being treated
What doctors are saying
Cardiologists aren’t urging people to stop taking melatonin—but they are encouraging smarter, short-term use.
“We should not raise the alarm and tell patients to stop taking all their melatonin,” said Dr. Pratik Sandesara of Emory Healthcare.
Instead, he and others recommend:
- Using melatonin only as needed, such as for jet lag
- Avoiding indefinite or high-dose use
- Talking with your doctor about sleep issues before self-treating
Better sleep habits may be safer
Doctors say improving sleep hygiene may be a better first step than relying on supplements long-term. That includes:
- Avoiding screens and blue light before bed
- Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
- Going to sleep and waking at the same time daily
“Sleep problems aren’t just about being tired—they’re putting yourself at risk,” Dr. Yancy said.
Should you stop taking melatonin?
Not necessarily. There’s no firm evidence that melatonin causes heart damage—but there’s also no solid proof that long-term use is safe.
Key takeaways:
- Melatonin is naturally produced in the body and can help with short-term sleep issues
- The study suggests a possible risk with long-term use, but it’s not conclusive
- Patients should consult their doctors and focus on sleep hygiene first
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