New York, NY — Taking melatonin supplements for long periods of time may be more than just a sleep aid routine — it could signal underlying heart problems, according to new research presented by the American Heart Association.
The study, released Monday, found that adults who regularly took melatonin for at least a year were nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to those who didn’t use the supplement.
However, experts caution that the findings do not prove melatonin causes heart disease, but rather suggest that long-term reliance on the hormone may be a warning sign of existing cardiac issues.
“Insomnia can increase blood pressure, stress hormones and inflammation,” said Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the study’s lead author and an internal medicine resident at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York City.
What the Study Found
Researchers analyzed five years of electronic health records from 130,828 adults, with an average age of 56. Those who took melatonin for at least a year were found to have:
- Nearly double the risk of developing heart failure (4.6% vs. 2.7%)
- Three times higher odds of being hospitalized for the condition (19% vs. 6.6%)
- Almost twice the mortality rate compared to non-users
According to NBC News, the data suggests that chronic melatonin use may correlate with undiagnosed or worsening cardiovascular problems rather than directly causing them.
What Experts Are Saying
“I caution people against drawing concrete conclusions based on this study alone,” said Dr. Nishant Shah, a preventive cardiologist at Duke University Medical Center.
“Now that we have this observation, it’s prime time to figure out whether there’s actually a direct association of harm with sleep agents. That would be practice-changing.”
Heart failure, which affects nearly 7 million Americans, occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms often include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
“We have patients using all kinds of supplements without understanding the risks,” said Dr. Martha Gulati, preventive cardiologist and incoming director of the Davis Women’s Heart Center at Houston Methodist. “If there is harm from a supplement, it means the cost could be far more than simply expensive urine.”
Why It Matters
While melatonin is naturally produced in the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles, synthetic versions are sold over the counter as dietary supplements. Because supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dosage and purity can vary widely between brands.
Usage has soared in recent years:
- 27% of U.S. adults report taking melatonin
- 4% of children also use it, according to a 2022 Sleep Foundation survey
“People should be aware that it should not be taken chronically without a proper indication,” said Marie-Pierre St-Onge, director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Key Takeaways
Experts recommend the following for safe sleep management:
- Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin for longer than a few weeks.
- Address underlying sleep issues, such as stress, anxiety, or cardiovascular concerns.
- Avoid self-medicating — improper use may mask other health problems.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: maintain a consistent bedtime, limit caffeine, and reduce screen time before bed.
The findings highlight the importance of monitoring chronic supplement use, especially among adults who rely on melatonin nightly. Researchers plan further studies to understand the connection between sleep disturbances and cardiovascular health.
What do you think about the link between long-term melatonin use and heart health? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
