Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Higher Heart Failure Risk, Study Warns
A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 has raised some serious questions about the long-term use of melatonin supplements. These supplements, often thought of as a harmless way to fall asleep faster, may not be as risk-free as many people assume. Researchers found that taking melatonin regularly for more than a year could be linked to a higher chance of heart failure, hospitalization, and even death among people with chronic insomnia.
The findings come from an analysis of health records of more than 130,000 adults who had insomnia. Out of these, about half had used melatonin for at least a year. When compared with people who never used the supplement, long-term melatonin users had around a 90% higher chance of developing heart failure over a five-year period. Those who took melatonin also had nearly 3.5 times higher odds of being hospitalized for heart failure and almost double the risk of dying from any cause compared to non-users.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain’s pineal gland and helps regulate the body’s internal clock — signaling when it’s time to sleep. Because it’s widely available over the counter in countries like the U.S., many assume it’s completely safe for nightly use. But this new research suggests that consistent, long-term use may carry hidden dangers for the heart, especially among people who already have trouble sleeping.
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Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the lead author of the study, emphasized that these results should make both patients and doctors rethink the casual use of melatonin. “Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” he said. “If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.”
It’s important to note that this study doesn’t prove melatonin directly causes heart failure. Rather, it shows a strong association that needs to be studied further. The research also had limitations — for example, it didn’t account for people who might have been taking melatonin over the counter without it being recorded in their medical files. Still, the pattern was consistent enough to raise a red flag.
Experts like Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge from Columbia University, who was not part of the study, expressed surprise that people are using melatonin for such long periods. She reminded the public that melatonin isn’t even officially approved in the U.S. to treat chronic insomnia — it’s only meant for short-term use, like managing jet lag.
In short, while melatonin may seem like a “natural” sleep fix, this new evidence suggests caution. The study highlights the need for more research on the long-term cardiovascular effects of melatonin and serves as a reminder that even over-the-counter supplements can carry real health risks when used without proper medical guidance.
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