What Experts Are Saying About Melatonin and Your Heart
[Source 1] American Heart Association: Long-term Use of Melatonin Supplements May Have Negative Health Effects
The official news release from the AHA confirmed that a preliminary, large-scale study presented at their Scientific Sessions identified a significant association between chronic use of melatonin supplements (defined as one year or more) and serious cardiovascular outcomes in adults with chronic insomnia. This finding challenges the general public perception of melatonin as a completely safe and benign sleep aid.
• The study used electronic health records from over 130,000 adults with insomnia
• The researchers emphasized that their observational study establishes an association, and cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship
• Melatonin is largely unregulated as a supplement, raising concerns about long-term safety, which led to this investigation
• Experts urge that melatonin should not be taken chronically without medical guidance
Lead researcher Nnadi stated: "It was striking to see such consistent and significant increases in serious health outcomes, even after balancing for many other risk factors.”
— For the official release and full expert statements, read the original report:
Read the Full Article on the American Heart Association Newsroom
[Source 2] CNN: Melatonin use over time linked to increased risk of heart failure, study finds
CNN reported on the alarming new study suggesting that individuals who rely on melatonin for long-term sleep support may be putting themselves at a higher risk for developing heart failure. The large-scale, population-based study indicates that the association between consistent melatonin use and cardiovascular problems is significant enough to warrant public awareness and clinical review. The article highlights the scientific community's growing concern that, because melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement, it often bypasses rigorous regulatory scrutiny, leading to inconsistent quality and purity, which may contribute to unexpected health effects over time.
• The risk specifically concerns people who use the supplement over extended periods (long-term use).
• Melatonin's status as a supplement means its quality and dosing are unregulated.
• The study was presented at a major medical conference, lending significant credibility to the findings.
— For complete details and medical commentary, read the original report:
[Source 3] ScienceDaily: New Research Reveals a Hidden Heart Risk from Long-Term Melatonin Use
This official summary, sourced from the American Heart Association's meeting, provides the most critical statistics regarding the use of the supplement. Researchers found that adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin for a year or longer faced dramatically higher risks for cardiovascular complications compared to matched non-users. The key data points underscore the seriousness of the association found in this large-scale analysis:
• Heart Failure Risk Long-term users had an estimated 90% higher chance of developing heart failure within five years
• Hospitalization Risk Participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure
• Mortality The melatonin group was nearly twice as likely to die from any cause over the five-year period
While the study cannot prove direct causation, the researchers emphasized that these striking, consistent, and significant increases in serious health outcomes raise important safety questions about melatonin's long-term use.
— For the official AHA summary and full research details, read the original release:
Read the Full ScienceDaily Report
[Source 4] Science Alert: Common Supplement Shows Concerning Link to Heart Failure
Science Alert reports that this groundbreaking, large-scale analysis has prompted scientists to express worry about the long-term use of melatonin. The findings suggest that relying on the supplement for over a year significantly elevates the risk of serious health issues. The article stresses the importance of understanding the difference between the short-term, generally accepted use of melatonin and the unexplored, potentially hazardous effects of chronic usage.
• The supplement is the fourth most popular natural product taken by adults in the US
• The risk found was an 89 percent higher risk of heart failure over five years for long-term users
• The findings are preliminary, emphasizing that further research is needed to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship
• Experts warn that melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed
The article notes that while the study has limitations (such as reliance on prescription data which doesn't capture over-the-counter use), the strength of the association is concerning enough to warrant a change in how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.
— For the full breakdown and expert analysis, read the original report:
Read the Full Article on Science Alert
[Source 5] Good Housekeeping: Melatonin Study Links Long-Term Use to Heart Failure Risk
New research presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions has raised serious concerns regarding the popular over-the-counter sleep aid, melatonin. The study, which analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of individuals, suggests a troubling correlation between using melatonin supplements regularly over a long period and an increased likelihood of developing heart failure. The researchers urge consumers to exercise caution and consult healthcare providers, especially if they are already at risk for cardiovascular issues. Experts emphasize that the supplements are often unregulated, meaning the actual dosage can vary widely and may be significantly higher than intended.
• The findings stem from a large population-based study.
• The risk was associated with prolonged, consistent use of the supplement.
• Researchers point out that melatonin is not regulated like a drug, leading to unpredictable doses.
— For complete details and medical commentary, read the original report:
Read the Full Article on Good Housekeeping
The evidence compiled above, though showing association and not causation, consistently raises serious concerns regarding the potential long-term risks of chronic melatonin use.
At DreamWell PH, we believe your journey to deeper sleep should never compromise your heart health.
That is why we are committed to providing only natural, science-backed alternatives that support restorative sleep without relying on melatonin. Make the informed choice for your wellness.
